This time a group of South African scientists have made a breakthrough in laser technology, developing the world’s first digital laser.
The laser beam can now be altered by means of computers, rather than mirrors, before it leaves the beam.
This discovery has the capability of influencing the sectors of communication, health and manufacturing.
South Africans are no newcomers to the world of invention.
Here is a list of South African inventions:
· The CAT scan was invented by physicist Allan Cormack and Godfrey Hounsfield of EMI Laboratories. Their achievement secured them the 1979 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
· The world’s first heart transplant was performed by renowned South African Dr Chris Barnard. It took place in Cape Town on December 3, 1967.
· The speed gun was invented by Henri Johnson. The gun was launched at The Oval in England during the 1999 Cricket World Cup.
· Kreepy Krauly was invented by Ferdinand Chauvier.
· APS therapy, which is a pain relief machine, was invented by Gervan Lubbe.
· Krugersdorp engineer George Pratley invented Pratley Putty. It is the only South African invention which has been on the moon. It was used to hold parts of the Apollo XI spacecraft together.
· The large concrete wave breakers, known as dolosse, were invented by Eric Merrifield. They were first installed in East London harbour. Dolosse are now used all over the world
