Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory

Definition

Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory was a pioneering company founded in 1956 by William Shockley, one of the inventors of the transistor. This laboratory played a critical role in the development of silicon-based semiconductor technology and laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Silicon Valley. By attracting talented engineers and scientists, it fostered an environment of innovation that led to significant advancements in electronics and computing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. William Shockley founded the laboratory after leaving Bell Labs, aiming to develop silicon-based semiconductors as an alternative to germanium.
2. The lab was located in Mountain View, California, and became one of the first companies to focus on silicon technology.
3. Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory was instrumental in recruiting talented engineers, many of whom later founded their own successful companies, known as the 'Traitorous Eight.'
4. The company's work laid the foundation for several technological advancements, including the integrated circuit.
5. The closure of Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory in 1968 did not mark the end of its influence; instead, it spurred further innovation and growth in Silicon Valley.

Review Questions

• How did Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory contribute to the early development of Silicon Valley?
  • Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory played a foundational role in the early development of Silicon Valley by being one of the first companies to focus on silicon-based semiconductor technology. The laboratory attracted skilled engineers and scientists who would go on to innovate and create their own companies. This culture of entrepreneurship fostered by Shockley's lab helped set the stage for Silicon Valley to evolve into a global hub for technology and innovation.
• Discuss the significance of the 'Traitorous Eight' in relation to Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory's legacy.
  • The 'Traitorous Eight' were a group of engineers who left Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory due to conflicts with William Shockley’s management style. Their departure led to the founding of Fairchild Semiconductor, which became immensely influential in the semiconductor industry. This exodus is significant because it highlights how dissatisfaction within Shockley's lab directly contributed to the growth of other tech companies in Silicon Valley, further expanding its influence in the tech world.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory on modern technology and industry practices.
  • Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory had a profound long-term impact on modern technology and industry practices by pioneering silicon semiconductor technology. The advancements made at this lab influenced not only the development of transistors but also integrated circuits, which are foundational to all modern electronic devices. Additionally, the entrepreneurial spirit cultivated by Shockley's lab set a precedent for innovation and collaboration in Silicon Valley, shaping how tech companies operate today and fostering a culture that values disruption and new ideas.

Related terms

Transistor: A semiconductor device that can amplify or switch electronic signals, serving as a fundamental building block for modern electronic devices.

Silicon Valley:

A region in California known as a global center for technology and innovation, which emerged largely due to the success of companies like Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory.

Semiconductor: A material that has electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator, crucial for making electronic components like diodes and transistors.