Towards a representation of diffusion and interaction of scientific ideas: The case of fiber optics communication

Authors:
Yuxian Liu;Ronald Rousseau
Affiliations:
Tongji University, Library of Tongji University, Siping Street 1239, 200092 Shanghai, PR China and University of Antwerp, IBW, Venusstraat 35, B-2000 Antwerpen, Belgium;University of Antwerp, IBW, Venusstraat 35, B-2000 Antwerpen, Belgium and KHBO (Association K.U. Leuven), Faculty of Engineering Technology, Zeedijk 101, B-8400 Oostende, Belgium and K.U. Leuven, ...
Venue:
Information Processing and Management: an International Journal
Year:
2012

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Abstract

The research question studied in this contribution is how to find an adequate representation to describe the diffusion of scientific ideas over time. We claim that citation data, at least of articles that act as concept symbols, can be considered to contain this information. As a case study we show how the founding article by Nobel Prize winner Kao illustrates the evolution of the field of fiber optics communication. We use a continuous description of discrete citation data in order to accentuate turning points and breakthroughs in the history of this field. Applying the principles explained in this contribution informetrics may reveal the trajectories along which science is developing.