Foil Electret Microphone

In 1962, AT&T researchers James West and Gerhard Sessler invented the foil electret microphone, an entirely new type of microphone. It was small, sensitive, and rugged, and did not need a bias current. After its commercial introduction later that decade, foil electret microphone was widely adopted. Today, over 90% of all microphones in use are foil electrets.

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This custom lobby scene, Knowledge Archive, celebrates AT&T’s rich legacy as one of the nation’s most prolific inventors and largest patent holders. Each abstract object surrounding you is a unique data sculpture quite literally derived from the data points of individual AT&T patents. Every sculpture in the lobby is unique and represents one of AT&T’s thousands of patents.

There are six major patent categories, each with its own set of identifiable data sculpture characteristics. This patent is one of many AT&T patents for Communications & Entertainment. The playful quality of this sculpture represents the flow of information as diverse colorful media.

Scan other QR codes to discover how each AT&T patent has impacted your daily life.