Which scientist and team are credited with the discovery of the highly effective, modern Zinc Oxide (ZnO) based MOV in 1967?

Answer

Dr. Michio Matsuoka

The material science breakthrough necessary for modern consumer surge protection was achieved by Dr. Michio Matsuoka and his team in Japan in 1967. They discovered and perfected the Zinc Oxide (ZnO) based Metal-Oxide Varistor (MOV), which is the component that dominates contemporary surge protection devices. This discovery occurred significantly later than the initial concepts for power strips and early suppressors like the Zap Trap. The ZnO MOV functions as a superior protective component because it exhibits a very high resistance at normal line voltage but rapidly decreases its resistance when a transient spike occurs, allowing it to divert excess energy to the ground path almost instantaneously. This material science advancement made the consumer surge protector both practical and effective against common transients.

Which scientist and team are credited with the discovery of the highly effective, modern Zinc Oxide (ZnO) based MOV in 1967?
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