The object
West co-invented the electret microphone, a compact transducer that permanently stores electrical charge and needs far less power than earlier condenser microphones. Its low cost and small size made microphones ubiquitous in telephones, hearing devices, computers and recording products.
01
What James did
Co-invented the foil electret microphone while at Bell Laboratories.
02
Why it matters
NIHF says electret microphones account for the overwhelming majority of microphones made and recognizes West's foundational contribution.
03
Living-status check
Johns Hopkins University's 2026 faculty profile identifies West as professor and an active science-education advocate.