properties of synchronous motors,
in which the speed of the motor is
integrally related to the frequency
of the electric current running it.
Edgerton was interested in the
effect of sudden changes on the
motor, and, while conducting an
experiment, the mercury thyristor
switch overheated and began flashing.
This normally would require waiting for the unit to cool down but
Edgerton noticed that the flash
of the light synchronized with the
motor’s rotating parts and made
them appear stationary – this flash
of inspiration turned a setback
into a powerful tool for analysis.
His natural curiosity had included learning photograph