Auer von Welsbach

Auer von Welsbach was an Austrian scientist and inventor known for his work on rare earth elements and their applications. He significantly improved gas lighting by developing lighter, brighter burners and creating new, efficient ways to produce incandescent mantles used in lanterns. These advancements made lighting brighter, more reliable, and more affordable, transforming urban illumination at the turn of the 20th century. His innovations also contributed to the development of color screens and other technology, earning him a reputation as a pioneer in photonics and materials science.