Jonathan Zenneck

Jonathan Adolf Wilhelm Zenneck
Born	April 15, 1871(1871-04-15) Ruppertshofen, Württemberg
Died	April 8, 1959 (aged 87)
Fields	Electrical engineering
Notable awards	IEEE Medal of Honor

Jonathan Adolf Wilhelm Zenneck (April 15, 1871 - April 8, 1959) was a physicist and electrical engineer. Zenneck was born in Ruppertshofen, Württemberg. Zenneck contributed to researches in radio circuit performance and to the scientific and educational contributions to the literature of the pioneer radio art. Zenneck improved the Braun vacuum tube. Zenneck added deflector coils which allowed the direct reception of signals.

Early years

In 1885, Zenneck entered the Evangelical-Theological Seminary in Maulbronn. In 1887, in a Blaubeuren seminary, Zenneck learned Latin, Greek, French, and Hebrew. In 1889, Zenneck enrolled in the Tübingen University. At the Tuebingen Seminary, Zenneck studied mathematics and natural sciences. In 1894, Zenneck took the State examination in mathematics and natural sciences and the examination for his doctor's degree.

In 1894, Zenneck conducted zoological research (Natural History Museum, London). Between 1894-1895, Zenneck served in the military.

Middle years

Between 1895 to 1905, Zenneck was assistant to Braun and lecturer at the Physikalischen Institute in Strasbourg, Alsace. Zenneck worked as assistant of Ferdinand Braun.

Nikola Tesla lectures introduced the wireless sciences to Zenneck. In 1899, Zenneck entered wireless telegraphy. In 1900, Jonathan Zenneck experiments in Cuxhaven, Germany between the various radio systems and, in 1902, conducts tests of directional antennas. In 1905, Zenneck was appointed assistant professor at the Danzig Technical High School.

In 1906, Zenneck was appointed professor of experimental physics in the Braunschweig Technische Hochschule. Also in 1906, Zenneck wrote "Electromagnetic Oscillations and Wireless Telegraphy" (standard textbook on the subject). In 1909, Zenneck joined Badische Anilin und Sodafabrik to experiment on nitrogen.

Later years

Around World War I, Zenneck went to the front as a Captain in the Marines. In 1914, Zenneck was sent to the United States as technical advisor. In 1919, Zenneck resumed the professorship of experimental physics at the Technische Hochschule in Munich. Zenneck was awarded the 1928 IRE Medal of Honor. After World War II he directed and rebuilt the Deutsche Museum in Munich. For his achievements in basic research on radio technology and for fostering academic and technical offspring he received the Siemens-Ring in 1956.

References

• Jonathan Zenneck (1871-1959)
• Physik Departments an der Technischen Universität München, "Booklet". Chapter 11. History (PDF)
• IEEE History Center - "Legacies: Jonathan A. Zenneck"