Today, I’d like to depart a little from the usual subject matter of my blog to share some exciting news from one of Keithley’s senior market development managers, Bob Green. On a customer visit to Manchester University, he and two colleagues were lucky enough to witness a rare moment of Nobel prize-winning achievement. I wanted to share Bob’s obvious excitement with those of you who read my blog, captured in his email:

AMAZING


One of the most thrilling days of my working career. I was extremely proud to be a representative of Keithley Instruments. Mary Anne Tupta and Jeremy Gilbert enjoyed the day as much as I did.

There we were, in the Condensed Matter Physics Lab at the University of Manchester in Manchester, England, working with Dr. Novoselov on one of his graphene test systems, which have two 2400s and a 2182A in each test system, and he excuses himself to take a call. In the meantime, his post doctoral fellows, many who had conducted graphene research with him, and worked in a large office adjacent to the lab, had seen the information on the Internet. They were absolutely ecstatic. Then Dr. Novoselov comes back into the lab, and everyone cheered him. People were taking pictures. The group had a small celebration. Phones were ringing like crazy. The BBC came to interview him and his collaborator, Dr. Geim. Dr. Novoselov actually apologized to us for the interruptions. More people came from other media groups to interview the two men.

I had planned to get a picture of myself with Dr. Novoselov just in case he ever did win a prize. Fortunately I was ready. Attached are the pictures of us with one of the 2010 Nobel Laureates in Physics and a closeup of the test system.

It felt great to know that our products helped Dr Novoselov conduct the advanced research resulting in a discovery that will lead to significant innovations in new products and technologies. This is one more example of how our products and our technical expertise help researchers make breakthroughs so significant that they achieve the most prestigious prize in physics and the sciences, the Nobel Prize.

I felt part of science history today. Later in the day, Dr. Novoselov sat down with us to hear our advice on improving his system and his measurements. A Nobel Laureate listening to advice from Mary Anne, Jeremy, and me. As a member of Keithley Instruments, it just does not get any better than that.

It is after midnight, and I am still on a high. I cannot get over my good fortune to have experienced this event. I am so thankful that I work for Keithley. It just feels great.

AMAZING