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Photo Origin: Department of Computer Science, North Carolina State University |
Donald Bitzer Invents the Plasma Screen Donald Bitzer received his Bachelor’s (1955), Master’s (1956) and Doctorate (1960) degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois. From 1964 onward, Bitzer taught at Illinois for 39 years. With two other Illinois colleagues, Bitzer developed the computer-based PLATO instructional system, which allowed students to view overlaid slides using cutting-edge computer graphics. The original display was constrained due to lack of memory space and the high cost of maintaining the system. To address these challenges, Bitzer and his fellow researchers developed the A.C. plasma display in July 1964. This display was a crucial breakthrough; the A.C. plasma display consisted of multicolor panels that used a rich ultraviolet light gas discharge that included color phosphors. Throughout his career, Bitzer received numerous awards for his research, including an Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for his efforts in advancing television technology. In 1973, Bitzer also received the Vladimir K. Zworkin Award from the National Academy of Engineering. In 1974, he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering and in 1982 he was named Laureate of the Lincoln Academy by the State of Illinois. After his groundbreaking work at the University of Illinois, Bitzer became a Distinguished University Research Professor at North Carolina State University, where he continues to teach and research. His contributions continue to be on the cutting edge in the electrical engineering industry. |
