Who is known for their pioneering work in high voltage discharge tubes?

Wilhelm Roentgen is renowned for his groundbreaking work with high voltage discharge tubes, particularly for his discovery of X-rays in 1895. Roentgen experimented with cathode rays, which involved the use of high voltage discharge tubes, leading him to the realization that these rays could produce images of the human skeleton on photographic plates. His experiments laid the foundation for the field of radiology and transformed medical diagnostics, proving the practical applications of high voltage discharge tubes in science and medicine.

The significance of Roentgen’s contributions is profound, as his work opened new avenues for scientific exploration and medical treatment, demonstrating the potential hazards and uses of X-rays. The other individuals listed were influential in their respective fields, but none are associated with the pioneering work in high voltage discharge tubes as Roentgen is. Germain Sommeiller was known for his work on tunnels and mining, Henery Maudslay made contributions to machine tools and manufacturing, and Chester Carlson is famous for developing the process of electrophotography, which is unrelated to high voltage discharge tubes.