James West

James West is an American inventor and acoustics engineer. He was born in Farmville, Virginia, in 1931. He co-invented the electret microphone, which is used in about 90 percent of all microphones today. Every phone call, recording, and hearing aid uses technology he helped create.

Early Life

West was curious about how things worked as a child. He once took apart a radio and got a serious electric shock. Instead of scaring him away from electronics, it made him even more interested. He studied physics at Temple University.

The Electret Microphone

West and his colleague Gerhard Sessler invented the electret microphone at Bell Laboratories in 1962. It was smaller, cheaper, and more sensitive than previous microphones. Today, about 90 percent of microphones use their technology. West holds over 250 patents and continues to research acoustics.

Fun Facts

• About 90 percent of all microphones made today use James West's invention.
• He holds over 250 patents.
• He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Did You Know?

James West got interested in electronics after getting shocked by a radio he took apart as a child. That dangerous experience sparked a lifelong passion for invention.