Calvin Fuller Biography

Chemist Calvin Fuller, along with Bell Labs colleagues Daryl Chapin and Gerald Pearson, developed the first pratical silicon solar cell that powers many hand held devices such as calculators and remote controls. Born in Chicago, Fuller studied Chemistry at the University of Chicago before joining Bell Labs in 1930. The invention of the solar cell helped advance the space program by converting solar energy into electrical power. Calvin Fuller died October 28, 1994.