Back
to the Oral History GuideBack
to the InfoAge Homepage
Camp EvansOral HistoriesInterviewee: DRS. STANLEY KRONENBERG & GEORGE BRUCKERInterviewer: Michael RuaneDate: 1998? Place: Camp Evans - 9039 Media: NTSC Video Summary: Mr. Irv Bauman |
 |
 |
TAPE 12
DRS. STANLEY KRONENBERG & GEORGE BRUCKER
This is a return visit, for further interview after Tape 9. Dr. K indicated
that when he came to the U.S. there were few problems. His family came
with him. There never was a thought in his mind to return to Europe.
In 1948 - 9, Nucleonics Br. provided the research effort to develop
radiation detection monitoring equipment for the Army, that had had nothing
available for this purpose, at that time. With the growth in possibility
of a nuclear attack, the U.S. had no means of quantifying the effect. It
became evident that there existed a requirement to send equipment to the
field, to measure potential decontamination. There was a need for personnel
dosimeters to measure dosages. For the first effort, Bendix Corp. developed
an electrometer kind of instrument that was self reading & simple to
use. Two such units were developed, with different sensitivities. Dr. K.
described the instrument design. He discussed the dose range of each of
the two instruments, which, though designed 45 yrs. ago were cheap and
simple to use. They are still in use today in the Nuclear Industry.
A 3rd and new device with a significantly higher sensitivity was then
developed and described. Still later, a 4th became available which measured
the ambient radioactivity of air with simple replaceable covers to measure
alpha, beta, & gamma particles. It
was easy to use and could also measure Radon within 15 minutes. He
described the units performance measuring concentrations. This is now being
used for other than nuclear radiation.
George was involved in Space Exploration, working with NASA on the
neutron & gamma ray content in space. He was involved in determining
the spectral range of neutrons. Dr. K indicate that to construct any of
their devices, it took a Mathematician and a Machinist, working together
to build another of his devices. They came up with a Neutron Spectrometer
and are currently negotiating with NASA for sponsorship. They already have
a Neutron Generator to proceed with their experiments. George designed
the electronics to work in space with RCA. He then spoke of the use of
solar cells to operate the electronics in the station. RCA made the very
first solar cell which had to be product improved to last longer in space.
Sarnoff Labs, RCA, developed a new cell and was invited to come to
Evans to use their Van De Graf Equipment to check out the new
development which became successful and is in use today.
Dr. K heard many stories told by Dr. Zahl, Director of the Radar Labs.
He wrote several books about Radar. Dr. K. then spoke of meeting Dr. Einstein
in Princeton and found him to be the nicest and kindest man. George came
to Evans in 1950 thru 1962 and left to join Sarnoff Labs.
Dr. K. then spoke of Operation Plowshare where several nuclear devices
were exploded underground to form a continuous canal with the collapse
of the surface ground, a possible way of utilizing
nuclear energy to produce canals, river beds, etc, but this effort
went nowhere. He then demonstrated several Dosimeter devices, explaining
the theory and operation of each in detail with George's participation.
43 min.
TAPE
Another speaker followed referring to JTARS & SOTAS and to agreements
with the state of Israel, which, I believe is unrelated to this interview
series relating to the history of Evans.
Page updated January 2, 2004
Page created August 2, 2002
Back
to the Oral History GuideBack
to the InfoAge Homepage