Introduction
Nicola Tesla, a mysterious and controversial scientist in modern days was born in Smiljan, Croatia in 1856. He acquired knowledge in Austrian Polytechnic and later advanced to the University of Prague. Tesla helped in the installation of the first telephone system for the Yugoslavian government. In 1983, Thomas Edison Company based in Paris gave him a one-year contract. Later he transferred to its headquarters, in New York. His contributions and inventions in electromagnetism initiated the second industrial revolution, in the late 19th and early 20th century. The prolific inventor’s theoretical works and patents formed the foundation of alternating current, the electric motor, polyphase power distribution among others discussed.
Tesla’s contributions to the scientific world
Tesla’s contributions to the scientific world include the invention of remote control and robotics, medical x-ray, television, radio astronomy, wireless transmission of electricity, radar, and the radio. The Tesla Coil since its invention is 1891 is a vital component used in many electronic devises like radio among other devises.
Electricity
Following his experience after working in a telephone company in Budapest, America, he came up with the idea of polyphase system of generating electricity. He advanced on the idea during his time at Edison Company despite some challenges and criticisms. During his time at Edison, the firm produced the first electric chair. At Westinghouse, in Pittsburgh, his idea to generate alternating current impressed the company, which opted to buy some patents of the “product.” Westinghouse Company adopted the idea and exercised it by using polyphase system to generate alternating current from Niagra Falls. Tesla developed a devise powered by a two-phase alternating current to produce a rotating magnetic field. The high frequency devise was also capable of setting up resonances and creating vibrations. The rotating magnetic field idea developed the idea of making an electric motor, which enhanced the use of alternating current from remote regions.
Light
He generated and distributed light produced by fluorescent lambs during his practicals in a laboratory; this was 40years after they started circulating in the market. During a world’s fair, he produced neon lambs and signs made by bending glass tubes to form various names. He advised most firms that alternating current was safe and less costly compared to direct current. Tesla practically electrocuted himself to produce light as a proof to his allegations.
X-rays
During the early 20th century, many scientists conducted various study on electromagnetic radiation. Among them, Tesla contributed on inventing the precursor and the Kirlian photograph used to produce rays. He was able to demonstrate how the system worked using his two devises. X-rays played a vital role in medical diagnosis and examination of interior components of any scientific “matter- solids.” His main aim was to enable other scientists have a universal understanding of environment.
Wireless transmission of data and energy
In 1900, Tesla, under the support of Morgan, constructed a tower, which utilized natural frequency in data transmission. This frequency-powered technology disseminated visual, voice and written data over a wide geographical radius to enhance communication. Apart from enhancing communication, Tesla also benefited from the communication tower after realizing that the tower could produce free energy. The energy could substitute the most expensive and less powerful direct current, which most firms used during their production and manufacturing processes. Nicola’s objective was to empower people, especially those in the military and commerce, to communicate freely under his initiative.
The radio
In 1893, he developed the idea of producing radio frequency using a four-circuit resonance technic. According to Tesla, an aerial connection with the earth surface and wireless telegraphy were essential in producing and tapping radio waves. Tesla demonstrated that a receiver and a transmitter were two fundamental elements needed to produce and tap radio waves. In 1904, the American patent office reversed its choice to award Marconi as the radio inventor; Tesla invented the radio before the latter. In 1898, he initiated the idea of tapping and controlling radio signals from a distance. This led to the invention of the remote control. The Germans used this idea to control military tankers during the Second World War.
The laser
Nicola Tesla’s invention of the laser influenced the efficiency of medical surgery and the digital media. However, the American President Regan used the technique as a “non-lethal” weapon. The weapon produced riffles, which directed dangerous rays to the opponents.
Robotics
In all Tesla’s scientific innovations, he observed that external impulses play a vital role in driving the operations and conduct of living things. Notably, like human beings, external impulses can power and control the operations of Robots. He advanced robotics by installing sensors to boost the intelligence of the robots so that they can act like human beings. His paramount aim was to occupy the world of technology with artificial “beings,” which could perform tasks like man.
Conclusion
The prolific engineer contributed immensely to the scientific world. Many firms reduced their cost of operation as well as enhanced safety at their work places courtesy of Tesla’s inventions. Various fields like medicine, military, commerce tapped his ideas in sustaining their operations. However, his life ended miserably after spending his later days in hotels shortly before his death.
Bibliography
Lander, Jack. "Know Thyself." Inventors Digest 24, no. 9 (2008): 40-41.
Neill, John J.. Prodigal genius: the life of Nikola Tesla. New York, N.Y.: I. Washburn, 2007.
Richard, Boff. "The Introduction of Electric Power in American Manufacturing. ." Economic History Review 20, no. 3 (2007): 509-518.
