Summary
Robert J. Cashman
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Electrical Engineering
Background:
- Thallous sulfide photoconductive cells existed but had limitations.
- Robert J. Cashman's wartime research (1941-1945) sponsored by the Office of Scientific Research and Development (OSRD) focused on improving infrared technology.
- Empirical methods were employed to optimize cell construction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the historical significance of Robert J. Cashman's wartime work on photoconductive cells.
- To document the development of photosensitive lead sulfide techniques.
- To understand the impact on infrared systems and technology growth.
Main Methods:
- Cashman learned to create photosensitive lead sulfide.
- He empirically varied construction parameters to perfect a usable cell.
- His work built upon existing thallous sulfide photoconductive cell technology.
Main Results:
- Development of a technique for photosensitive lead sulfide.
- Enabled the construction of infrared systems with enhanced thermal emission response.
- Significantly increased interest and development in infrared technology.
Conclusions:
- Cashman's wartime efforts, though not the first, were historically significant for advancing infrared technology.
- The development of lead sulfide photoconductive cells improved thermal detection capabilities.
- His empirical approach contributed to the rapid growth of infrared applications.
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