b) Hedy Lamarr

Hedy Lamarr, celebrated as a glamorous star of Hollywood’s golden age, remarkably contributed far beyond the world of cinema with an invention that became foundational in modern wireless communication. Teaming up with composer George Antheil, Lamarr developed a groundbreaking technology known as frequency-hopping spread spectrum.

Initially designed during World War II, their invention was intended for military use, specifically to guide torpedoes more effectively and evade interception by the enemy. Lamarr and Antheil’s system worked by rapidly switching frequencies, making it difficult for the enemy to detect and jam communications. While their innovative concept was not immediately adopted by the military, its true value was realized in later years.

This frequency-hopping technology laid the essential groundwork for the development of various modern wireless communications technologies, including Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth. Hedy Lamarr’s contribution to science and technology is a remarkable testament to her intellect and inventive prowess, far surpassing her fame as a film actress. Her story breaks the stereotype of Hollywood stars of her era and highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women in the fields of science and technology.