Author

James McKenzie

James McKenzie writes the Transactions column for Physics World about physics in industry. He was vice-president for business at the Institute of Physics from 2016 to 2020. He is writing here in a personal capacity.

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Nobel impact

With this year’s Nobel Prize for Physics being awarded for “groundbreaking inventions in laser physics”, James McKenzie examines the value of basic research to business

The thing about things

James McKenzie explores how physics and physicists can turn the hype about the Internet of Things into reality

A solid (state) success

James McKenzie reflects on the impact of the solid-state laser, a device in its infancy when it became the subject of one of the first articles in Physics World

Tesla versus Edison: lessons from the AC/DC war

James McKenzie revisits the battle between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla over the best way to transmit electricity

Fusion dreams

James McKenzie wonders if a commercial approach will bring a practical fusion reactor to market faster

Intellectual property

James McKenzie reflects on the importance of intellectual property, which is a key part of commercializing technology

A day of light

James McKenzie celebrates the huge commercial success of lasers and light-emitting diodes, all of which has emerged from research into fundamental physics

Achieving innovation

Innovation in physics is simple in principle, but much harder in practice. James McKenzie reckons a business start-up award could be just the thing to help

Joseph Swan's light bulb (right) and Thomas Edison's (left)

Lighting the way

James McKenzie looks at the lessons we can learn from the humble light bulb

Photographs of laser cutting and solar-cell manufacturing

The business of physics

In this new series of columns, James McKenzie explores the value and relevance of physicists to industry

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Author

James McKenzie

Author archive