Part 5/9:
Bell Labs was not only a center for theoretical advancements; it also made substantial contributions in practical applications. The vacuum tube, discovered almost accidentally in 1912, was one such innovation that enabled better amplification of signals and paved the way for long-distance telephone calls and radio broadcasts. During World War II, Bell Labs' capabilities shifted towards military applications, playing a crucial role in the development of radar technology, which had a direct impact on the war's outcome.