Katherine Burr Blodgett

Invented non-reflective glass and revolutionized surface chemistry, enabling advancements in optics and electronics

Katherine Burr Blodgett (1898–1979) was a pioneering physicist and the first woman to earn a PhD in physics from the University of Cambridge. Her invention of invisible glass (non-reflective glass) in 1938 transformed industries from cinematography to telecommunications.

Working at General Electric, Blodgett developed monolayer coatings to reduce light reflection on glass surfaces. Her method, known as the Langmuir-Blodgett technique, allowed precise control of film thickness at the molecular level. This innovation not only improved camera lenses and eyeglasses but also laid the groundwork for modern coatings used in solar panels and LCD screens.

Blodgett’s research on gas adsorption and surface chemistry earned her 8 patents, a rare feat for women in her era. During WWII, her work on smoke screens and de-icing systems aided military efforts. Recognized with the American Chemical Society’s Garvan Medal, Blodgett’s legacy endures in nanotechnology and materials science. Her story exemplifies how curiosity-driven research can yield transformative real-world applications.