Charles Kao
Americans Charles Kao, William Boyle, and George Smith won the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physics. Kao’s discoveries led to the creation of modern fiber-optic communication networks. Boyle and Smith were honored for inventing the eye of the digital camera.
The award’s 10 million kronor ($1.4 million) purse will be split between the three, with Kao taking half, and Boyle and Smith each getting a quarter. Kao was born in Shanghai and is also a British citizen.
Kao’s neice, Ce Ce Gao (different Romanization of same Chinese surname) lives in Washington state. ♦