In the last 100 years, countless IBMers have contributed to the innovations and milestones that comprise our century of progress. Below are some reflections from the great minds involved in this Icon of Progress.
On the team
“We were a basic science group, not focused on any particular IBM technology or product development, but simply looking for new things those lasers would make possible.”
James Wynne
Manager, T.J. Watson Research Center
Chances are
“Who would have thought it would all begin with a turkey bone?”
Rangaswamy Srinivasan
IBM Research alumnus
Interview, The Times of India
2003Serendipity
“It was a serendipitous discovery. Our immediate manager thought it was good as long as it wasn't the main thing we were doing with our time.”
James Wynne
Manager, T.J. Watson Research Center
Lasering a pinky finger
“During that year [1982], Sri and I got up the courage to use the 193 nm excimer laser on our own skin. I held up my pinky and shined the laser directly on it,” says Wynne. “Each pulse of the laser ablated a thin layer of my tissue, yet there was no sensation of heat or pain. The tissue flying away from the finger exerted a backward pressure, and I felt that pressure, the puff.”
James Wynne
Manager, T.J. Watson Research Center
The value of discovery
“Between a billion dollars and the pleasure of giving perfect eyesight, what do you think I will choose?”
Rangaswamy Srinivasan
IBM Research alumnus
Interview, The Times of India
2003