Gerald Pearson Biography

Gerald Pearson, along with Bell Labs colleagues Daryl Chapin and Calvin Fuller, developed the first pratical silicon solar cell that powers many hand held devices such as calculators and remote controls. The Silicon solar cell converts solar energy into electrical power. Born in Salem, Oregon, Pearson studied mathematics and physics at Willamette University and Stanford University before joining Bell Labs in 1927. Gerald Pearson died October 25, 1987.