Speech Science Forum - Mark Huckvale (UCL)

Abstract:

In this popular science talk I will relate the history of Joseph Fourier and the Fourier Transform. The Fourier Transform has had enormous influence on the modern world, but it remains a largely unknown piece of mathematical analysis. It has application anywhere you want to separate signals from noise, or compress streams of data, or model changes in time series. You use it every day in your mobile phone, your digital camera and your web browser. In this talk I'll trace its fascinating history from the 17th to 20th centuries - a story that involves some of the most famous names in science and mathematics. You'll find out who really invented the Fourier Transform, who made it useful, and why we remember Joseph Fourier today.