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It's a scientific notion which has been around for well over 150 years, but one that only within this current generation has helped shape the way in which the modern world works. And it was thanks to the insight of a Chinese-born scientist and his colleagues that the development of fiber optics made that next leap. As such, Charles Kao is one of three recipients of the Nobel Prize in Physics this year. Professor Kao, dubbed 'the father of fiber optic communications' was the first to postulate the theory that fiber optics, which are essentially thin strands of glass or plastic, could be used to transmit data. Through the development of that theory, mass and rapid communication was born. So just how important was this breakthrough? And what new innovations are left as far as fiber optics is concerned? Ni hao, you're listening to People In the Know, your window into the world around you, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International. In this edition of the show we'll be talking about Charles Kao's Nobel Prize and the development of fiber optics. So let's get started.
First we'll hear from a man who has rubbed shoulders with Dr. Kao. Professor Chiang Kin-Seng is with the Department of Electronic Engineering at the City University of Hong Kong.
And after a short break, we'll hear from a fiber optics expert in the US.
Ni hao, you're listening to People In the Know, your window into the world around you, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International. I'm Paul James in Beijing. In this edition of the show we're talking about the Nobel Prize award which has been granted to Dr. Charles Kao for his work with fiber optics. For more on this we're joined on the line now by Professor Chris Xu with the School of Applied and Engineering Physics at Cornell University.
And with that we close out this edition of People In the Know, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International. Fiber optics, light through glass, in theory seems a simple idea. But it's only through the innovative thoughts of people like Charles Kao that the application of this simple technology has moved to change the world we know. Questions or comments for us can be sent to people@cri.com.cn. You can also listen to our show on your mobile phone by logging onto M.CRI.CN. For Producers Chen Mo and Xu Yang, I'm Paul James in Beijing. We'll talk to you tomorrow.