What is Charles K Kao’s Net Worth?
| Net Worth | $600K |
| Born | November 4, 1933 |
| Age | 84 Years Old (Time of Passing) |
| Place of Birth | Shanghai, China |
| Profession | Electrical Engineer & Physicist |
| Education | University of Greenwich (1957), St. Joseph’s College (1952), University of London |
Charles K Kao was an American electrical engineer and physicist who led the development and use of fiber optics in telecommunications. Kao spearheaded the commercialization of various methods of fiber optics including; the combination of glass fibers with lasers in order to transmit digital data.
He is a recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics (2009), in affiliation with Standard Communication Laboratories, Harlow, United Kingdom, China and Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Now that we’ve become familiar with Charles K Kao, lets further discover how he pioneered the transmission of light in fiber optics for optical communication.
Early Life and Education
Charles K Kao also referred to as Sir Charles K Keun, was born November 23rd, 1933. Originally born in Shanghai, China; his family then migrated to Hong Kong in his young adolescent years.
Kao spent his teenage years in both Taiwan and Honk Hong, before moving to London, UK to study electrical engineering at the University of Greewich. He later pursued research receiving his PhD under Prof. Harold Barlow from the University of London in 1965. While studying Kao worked for Standard Communications Laboratories in the research centre of Standard Telephones and Cables.
Career
After graduating from the University of London with a degree in electrical engineering in 1957, Kao went on to work for Standard Telephones and Cables.
In 1960, Kao was transferred to Standard Communications Laboratories in Harlow, England. He earned his doctorate in electrical engineering and began to advance his research and career in glass-fibers and fiber optic cables.
After achieving his doctorate degree in electrical engineering, Kao went on to work with British Engineer George Hockman, proposing that fibers made out of pure glass can transmit light for distances of kilometres, without loss of signal.
By the 1970’s, fiber-optic cables became a central component in telecommunications.
Nobel Prize
After a long career in research, technology, and telecommunications Charles K Kao was awarded the Nobel Prize (Physics) in 2009 for his work in fiber-optics.
Prize Motivation: ”for groundbreaking achievements concerning the transmission of light in fibers for optical communication.”
How Did Charles K Kao Make His Money?
Charles K Kao always put research first, and did not make any substantial earnings until later in his career.
- 1970’s: ITT’s Chief Scientist & Director of Engineering
- 1980’s: ITT’s Executive Scientist & Director of Research
- 1990’s: Chinese University, Chancellor & President, Chairman & CEO Transtech
Charles K Kao Quotes
“Ideas do not always come in a flash but by diligent trial-an-error experiments that take time and thought.”
Charles K Kao
“When information is infinite, individual pieces of information are worth nothing.”
Charles K Kao
Charles K Kao Awards:
- Stuart Ballantine Medal (1975)
- IEEE Morris N. Liebman Memorial Award (1978)
- IEEE Alexander Graham Bell Memorial Medal, Marconi Prize (1985)
- C&C Prize (1987)
- Faraday Medal, James C. McGroddy Prize for New Materials, FrENG (1989)
- SPIE Gold Medal, CBE (1992)
- Prince Phillip Medal, Japan Prize, 3463 Kaokuen (1996)
- FRS (1997)
- Charles Stark Draper Prize, Asian of the Century (1999)
- Nobel Prize in Physics (2009)
- Grand Bauhinia Medal, Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (2010)
Summary
Charles K Kao is a Chinese-born electrical engineer and physicist. He pioneered the commercialization of Fiber Optics in telecommunication.
Kao earned majority of his wealth working for ITT. However, his career earnings did not pick up until he served as Vice Chancellor of Chinese University and later as Chairman & CEO of Transtech.
He is a Nobel Prize recipient in Physics, with an impressive track record of awards at the highest level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is Charles Kao’s Career?
Charles Kao career began working for Standard Telephones and Cables in 1957, after receiving a bachelors degree in electrical engineering.
How Old Is Charles Kao?
Charles Kao was 84 years old at the time of his passing on September 23rd, 2018.
What are Charles Kao’s Famous Quotes?
”When information is infinite, individual pieces of information are worth nothing.” – Charles Kao
”Ideas do not always come in a flash but by diligent trial-and-error experiments that take time and thought.” – Charles Kao
”When you’re young, you’re fervent about the things you believe in.” – Charles Kao
Where is the Charles Kao Auditorium?
The Charles Kao Auditorium at Science Park E Ave in Hong Kong, China.
