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James Sayers (physicist)

James Sayers (2 September 1912 – 13 March 1993) was a Northern Irish physicist who played a crucial role in developing centimetric radar, which is now used in microwave ovens.

Early life[edit]

He was born on a farm in Corkey, County Antrim, Ireland. He built a water wheel to provide the farm with electricity.


He attended Ballymena Academy. He obtained an MSc at Queen's University Belfast, then attended St John's College, Cambridge gaining a PhD.

Personal life[edit]

He married Diana Montgomery in 1943. They had two sons and one daughter. He lived at Alvechurch in Worcestershire.


He died on 13 March 1993 aged 80.

New Scientist 1983