IEE Science, Education & Management Division: Chairman´s address. Physics in the service of the engineer

The exceptional periods when physics research readily led to innovations of vast consequence in engineering, such as the period of solid-state research which led to the transistor, have tended to obscure the valuable role of physics in providing steady support to technological development. In an attempt to redress the balance, the stress in this review has been placed on the evolutionary role of physics, as illustrated by examples drawn from a few selected fields. In lighting, assistance from materials science, discharge physics and optics has led to major improvements in the performance of lamps and associated equipment. The practicability of homopolar machines, where the principle dates back to Faraday´s disc, depends to no small extent on progress made by physicists working closely with engineers in solving the slipring problem. Microwave radar ushered in a virtually new engineering field supported by a still widening range of solid-state and other components, of which gyromagnetic ferrites and special dielectrics are typical examples. Applicable over the whole of engineering are the physical methods of materials characterisation, such as X ray techniques and mass spectrometry, hitherto mainly operated by the specialist but now also moving into the hands of the engineer, for example, in process control and automation. A concluding look at the future outlines some of the newer developments in applied physics, especially in solid-state physics and optics, in relation to present and foreseeable engineering requirements. There is a final brief reference to the educational implications as more physicist-engineers take their place in the profession.