William D. Coolidge and ductile tungsten

This paper presents achievements and contributions of William D. Coolidge in the field of electrotechnology. Coolidge discovered a new method of producing ductile tungsten by a combination of reducing impurities and carefully controlled mechanical working. He also became known for his contribution to the development of improved X-ray tube and vacuum tube electronics. During the first world war, he helped developed portable X-ray apparatus for use by military and also worked on project for the sound detection of enemy submarines.