# Richard Collom Singleton

> Ph.D. Stanford University 1961

**Wikidata**: [Q102250509](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102250509)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/richard-collom-singleton

## Summary
Richard Collom Singleton was an American computer scientist and mathematician best known for developing the Singleton bound, a fundamental concept in coding theory. He earned his Ph.D. in mathematical statistics from Stanford University in 1961 and spent his career advancing error-correcting codes and information theory.

## Biography
- **Born**: February 21, 1928  
- **Nationality**: American  
- **Education**:  
  - Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology  
  - Ph.D. in Mathematical Statistics, Stanford University (1961)  
- **Known for**: Singleton bound in coding theory  
- **Employer(s)**: SRI International  
- **Field(s)**: Computer science, electrical engineering  

## Contributions  
Richard Collom Singleton’s most notable contribution is the **Singleton bound**, a critical limit in coding theory that defines the maximum distance achievable by linear codes of a given length and dimension. This work underpins modern error-correcting codes used in data transmission and storage systems. His Ph.D. thesis, *Steady State Properties of Selected Inventory Models* (1961), reflected his early focus on applied mathematics. While the exact publication year of the Singleton bound is not specified in the source material, its enduring influence on coding theory and telecommunications is well-documented. His research at SRI International further solidified his impact on both theoretical and applied computer science.

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Richard Collom Singleton best known for?  
A: He is best known for formulating the **Singleton bound**, a foundational concept in coding theory that establishes limits on the error-correcting capabilities of linear codes.  

### Q: Where did Richard Collom Singleton earn his Ph.D.?  
A: He earned his Ph.D. in Mathematical Statistics from **Stanford University** in 1961.  

### Q: What was Richard Collom Singleton’s career focus?  
A: His work centered on **coding theory**, **electrical engineering**, and **applied mathematics**, with significant contributions to error-correcting codes and information theory.  

## Why They Matter  
Richard Collom Singleton’s formulation of the Singleton bound reshaped the field of coding theory by providing a theoretical framework for optimizing code performance. This breakthrough directly influenced the development of efficient data transmission and storage systems, enabling reliable communication in technologies ranging from satellites to digital media. His work remains a cornerstone of modern coding theory, with applications in telecommunications, data storage, and cryptography. Without the Singleton bound, advancements in error correction and data integrity would have lacked a critical benchmark, potentially slowing progress in digital communications.

## Notable For  
- Developed the **Singleton bound**, a foundational limit in coding theory.  
- Earned a Ph.D. in Mathematical Statistics from Stanford University (1961).  
- Conducted research at **SRI International**, a leading institution in applied science and technology.  
- Authored the Ph.D. thesis *Steady State Properties of Selected Inventory Models* (1961).  
- Raised six children, as noted in his obituary.  

## Body  
### Early Life and Education  
Richard Collom Singleton was born on February 21, 1928. He pursued graduate studies at the **Massachusetts Institute of Technology**, earning a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. He later completed his Ph.D. in Mathematical Statistics at **Stanford University** in 1961 under the supervision of **Samuel Karlin**, a prominent mathematician. His doctoral research focused on inventory models, culminating in the thesis *Steady State Properties of Selected Inventory Models*.  

### Career  
Singleton’s professional career included a notable affiliation with **SRI International**, a nonprofit research institute renowned for advancements in science and technology. While specific roles at SRI are not detailed in the source material, his contributions to coding theory during this period were pivotal.  

### Research and Contributions  
- **Singleton Bound**: This theoretical limit establishes that for a linear code of length *n* and dimension *k*, the minimum Hamming distance *d* satisfies *d ≤ n − k + 1*. Codes achieving this bound (e.g., **Reed-Solomon codes**) are widely used in applications requiring high reliability, such as space communications and digital storage.  
- **Coding Theory**: His work laid the groundwork for optimizing error-correcting codes, ensuring data integrity in noisy transmission channels.  

### Personal Life  
Singleton resided in **Morgan Hill, California**, and passed away on April 8, 2007. He is survived by six children, as recorded in his obituary.

## References

1. Mathematics Genealogy Project
2. [Source](https://obits.oregonlive.com/us/obituaries/oregon/name/richard-singleton-obituary?id=19278162)
3. [Richard Singleton Obituary](https://obits.oregonlive.com/us/obituaries/oregon/name/richard-singleton-obituary?id=19278162)