Charles K. Kao, Willard S. Boyle and George E. Smith share 2009 Nobel Prize in physics

3 share 2009 Nobel Prize in physics

STOCKHOLM — The 2009 Nobel Prize in physics has been awarded to Charles K. Kao, Willard S. Boyle and George E. Smith for breakthroughs involving the transmission of light in fiber optics and inventing an imaging semiconductor circuit.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said all three have American citizenship. Kao also holds British citizenship while Boyle is a Canadian dual national.

The award, announced Tuesday, includes a 10 million kronor ($1.4 million) purse, a diploma and an invitation to the prize ceremonies in Stockholm on Dec. 10.