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Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory

Pioneering semiconductor developer in Silicon Valley.

Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory, later known as Shockley Transistor Corporation, was founded in 1955 by William Shockley. After the departure of eight leading scientists in 1957, the company never recovered and went through ownership changes until its closure. The site was later repurposed as a retail store and eventually demolished for a new building complex, recognized as the birthplace of Silicon Valley.

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Timeline

Invention of the Junction Transistor

On December 23, 1947, William Shockley invented the junction transistor, a significant advancement in the field of electronics.

Bell Labs Patent Filing for Bipolar Junction Transistor

On June 26th, 1948, Bell Labs filed for a patent on the bipolar junction transistor invented by Shockley. This marked a significant development in semiconductor technology, paving the way for future innovations in the field.

Gordon Teal Builds First Junction Transistor

On April 7th, 1949, Gordon Teal at Bell Labs used a crystal growth technique to build the first junction transistor using germanium. This achievement contributed to the advancement of semiconductor devices and laid the foundation for further research.

Publication of 'Electrons and Holes in Semiconductors'

In 1950, William Shockley wrote a book titled 'Electrons and Holes in Semiconductors'. The book focuses on the properties of semiconductors, specifically electrons and holes, which are crucial components in the functioning of transistors.

Appointment as Director of Transistor Physics Research at Bell Labs

In 1954, William Shockley was named the Director of transistor physics research at Bell Labs. This position allowed him to lead research efforts focused on advancing the understanding and development of transistors, a pivotal technology in the field of electronics.

Shockley Leaves Bell Labs to Start Semiconductor Company

On June 1st, 1955, Shockley departed from Bell Labs to establish a company focused on producing silicon bipolar devices and other semiconductor technologies. This decision marked a pivotal moment in the history of semiconductor industry.

Funding Received from Arnold Beckman

In September 23rd, 1955, William Shockley received funding for 2 years from Arnold Beckman to establish a company for developing and producing transistors. Beckman wanted to set up the company in Pasadena, while Shockley preferred Palo Alto due to his mother living there.

Crystal Growing Apparatus Patent

William Shockley and Richard V. Jones filed a patent for a Crystal Growing Apparatus on August 2, 1956, which was later issued on April 11, 1961.

Senior team writes to Beckman about intolerable working conditions

On December 8, 1956, the senior team at the company wrote to Beckman describing the intolerable working conditions under Shockley's management. They requested immediate help and proposed focusing the company on silicon bipolar technology and appointing a new manager.

Beckman decides not to follow Shockley

On June 1st, 1957, Beckman Instruments' founder Arnold Beckman informs William Shockley that the transistor team will not accompany him if he leaves, leading to a significant turning point in the history of Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory.

Resignation of Eight Members from Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory

On September 18, 1957, each of the eight members of the group handed in individual resignation letters, leading to the group's resignation. Shockley noted this event in his diary as 'Group resigns.'

Establishment of Shockley Transistor Corporation

In 1958, the Shockley Transistor Corporation was founded, marking a significant development in the field of semiconductors.

New Shockley transistor diodes

In 1959, new Shockley transistor diodes were introduced, combining fast switching with higher power handling capabilities. This advancement marked a significant development in the field of electronics.

Sale of Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory

In April 1960, Beckman sold Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory for $1 million, and Shockley transitioned to a position as Professor of Engineering Science at Stanford. This marked the formal closure of the business in 1968.

Shockley Appointed to President's Scientific Advisory Committee

In 1962, William Shockley was appointed to the President's Scientific Advisory Committee.

Shockley Returns to Bell Labs

In 1965, William Shockley began working for Bell Labs again.

Sale of Shockley Semiconductor to ITT

In 1968, Shockley Semiconductor was sold to ITT, further changing the ownership and direction of the company. This sale had implications for the semiconductor industry.

Shockley joins Bell Labs as a consultant

After a nine-year hiatus from the company and focusing on his own projects, Shockley returns to Bell Labs in a consulting role.

William Shockley's Death in California

William Shockley, the co-inventor of the transistor, passed away in California in August 1989.

Shockley Labs employees brief oral histories

Transcript in process for brief oral histories of Shockley Labs employees on February 27, 2006.

Grocery Market and Sign

In 2009, a grocery market and sign were present at the location.

Site of the Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory in December 2017

The site of the Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory was visited in December 2017.

Celebration of the Birth of Silicon Valley at 391 San Antonio Road

A celebration took place at 391 San Antonio Road in Mountain View, the birthplace of Silicon Valley, to commemorate the establishment of Shockley Labs, Fairchild, and other companies that played a significant role in the development of the tech industry.

End of the Timeline
Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory

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