A special edition of the Heinrich Terahertz podcast focuses on the discovery of radio
Alexander Popov first demonstrated a device for wireless transmission of a sequence of electrical signals of different durations in St Petersburg University on 7 May 1895. A special edition of the popular science podcast "Heinrich Terahertz" tells the audience how Popov celebrated New Year’s Eve on the Gulf of Finland; how he befriended a French entrepreneur; how he admired Nikola Tesla; how he met Marie Curie; and, of course, what was behind his great discovery.
The name Heinrich Hertz is often mentioned in our podcast. However, we have never discussed in detail the story of the first radio signal and the event behind it.
Alexander Popov is known as the discoverer of radio and the first Russian radio engineer. He was a graduate of St Petersburg University and lived for 46 years, during which time he managed to design the first radio communication systems and a storm indicator.
His works were a stimulus for the birth and development of many completely new scientific directions and creative ideas. In the end, the radio technology that originated in the buildings of St Petersburg University in the 19th century has already grown into space radio systems.
The Russian scientist was also at the origin of the commercial creation of radio systems for the fleet. Lastly, Alexander Popov actively participated in the creation of the Kronstadt Radio Workshop, the first company in the Russian radio industry. In this special edition of the Heinrich Terahertz podcast, we will tell you how the first radio communication systems appeared, debunk some misconceptions about the creation of radio systems, and try to immerse you in St Petersburg of the late 19th century.
The authors of the Heinrich Terahertz podcast would like to thank St Petersburg Electrotechnical University "LETI" and the Popov Memorial Museum for their help in preparing the materials for the special edition.