Gordon Kidd Teal

Gordon Kidd Teal (January 10, 1907 – January 7, 2003) was an American engineer. He invented a method of applying the Czochralski method to produce extremely pure germanium single crystals used in making greatly improved transistors. He, together with Morgan Sparks, invented a modification of the process that produced the configuration necessary for the fabrication of bipolar junction transistors. He is most remembered for developing the first silicon transistor while at Texas Instruments.

Early life and education Teal was born in South Dallas, Texas to Olin Allison Teal and Azelia Kidd.

Other achievements In 1957 Teal and the CRL developed a chemical reduction process for ultra-pure silicon. In 1958 a CRL employee Jack Kilby created the first integrated circuit. Other breakthrough developments include many advancements in infrared technology and digital signal processing, initially developed for the oil exploration industry, then for space and defense applications.

During 1963 and 1964 Teal became the International Technical Director for TI, promoting TI's growth as an international company. He resided in England, France, and Italy and was most active in their scientific and industrial aspects.

First Director of the Institute for Materials Research In 1965, Teal, taking a leave of absence from Texas Instruments, took a role at the National Bureau of Standards (now named National Institute of Standards and Technology) to become the first Director of the Institute for Materials Research in Washington, D.C. After his two-year term, he returned to Texas Instruments and remained there until he retired in 1972.

Death and legacy Teal died on January 7, 2003.

In May 2013, the Board of Regents of Baylor University honored Teal by naming a new residence hall the Gordon Teal Residential College.