Science and state

Interviewed by
Finn Aaserud
Interview date
Abstract

Discusses how he initially became involved in JASON; comments on his motivation for joining JASON and what he learned while working on practical physics problems. Describes his anti-Vietnam war stance and working in JASON during the war. Systematically describes articles written while working on JASON, as long as they are unclassified. Describes how he thinks JASON work added to his work in physics. Explains why he quit working for JASON; discusses the lack of feedback concerning the impact of JASON work on defense problems. Comments on a possible amateur/professional distinction with JASON.

Interviewed by
Finn Aaserud
Interview dates
May 20 and 21, 1987
Abstract

Early education and exposure to field; attends Duke University; graduate work at California Institute of Technology; Caltech environment; work with Smythe; develops interest in spectroscopy. Accepts position at Bell Laboratories; shift from research to engineering; attempts to pursuade Bell Labs to become involved in microwave spectroscopy. Impact of war on development of spectroscopy and physics in general. Interest in astronomy. Accepts I. I. Rabi's job offer at Columbia; work conditions at Columbia versus Bell Labs. Forms advisory committee on millimeter waves; on Navy committee for infrared radiation; feelings about committee work. Work on service advisory committees prior to position as director of research at the Institute for Defense Analysis (IDA). Involvement in Office of Naval Research (ONR) committees on millimeter waves and infrared radiation; purpose and outcome of work, including development of maser concept; participation in non-service advisory committees; work at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Acceptance of IDA position; circumstances and considerations involved; views on direction of IDA. Involvement in establishing JASON?establishing clearances, convincing Pentagon. JASON organizational structure; selection of projects and members; extent of Townes' own involvement in projects; impact of JASON on government advising and social policy.

Interviewed by
Finn Aaserud
Interview date
Location
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract

Youth and early education; undergraduate at Amherst; graduate work at MIT. Work with various laboratories: MIT, Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, and Fermilab. Involvement in JASON, ca. 1960-1973: projects, question of impact. Involvement with Union of Concerned Scientists, from 1969: creation and main projects; nuclear energy; nuclear arms control; achievements.

Interviewed by
Finn Aaserud
Interview date
Location
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract

Youth and early education; undergraduate at Amherst; graduate work at MIT. Work with various laboratories: MIT, Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, and Fermilab. Involvement in JASON, ca. 1960-1973: projects, question of impact. Involvement with Union of Concerned Scientists, from 1969: creation and main projects; nuclear energy; nuclear arms control; achievements.

Interviewed by
Joan Bromberg
Interview date
Location
Tucson, Arizona
Abstract

Some of the topics discussed include:  the development of his career along with the problems of the simultaneous development of his wife Ursula Lamb's career in academia; radiation; megnetron oscillators; laser theory; quantum theory of lasers; government funding of research.  Some of his associates mentioned are:  Arnold Nordsieck, George Uhlenbeck, Van der Pol, Charles Townes, Leonel Menegozzi, William Wing, Marlan Scully, E. T. James, William Bennett, Richard Fork, Sargent, among others.

Interviewed by
Joan Bromberg
Interview date
Location
Tucson, Arizona
Abstract

Some of the topics discussed include:  the development of his career along with the problems of the simultaneous development of his wife Ursula Lamb's career in academia; radiation; megnetron oscillators; laser theory; quantum theory of lasers; government funding of research.  Some of his associates mentioned are:  Arnold Nordsieck, George Uhlenbeck, Van der Pol, Charles Townes, Leonel Menegozzi, William Wing, Marlan Scully, E. T. James, William Bennett, Richard Fork, Sargent, among others.

Interviewed by
Charles Weiner
Interview date
Abstract

Work in realistic astrophysics in the 1960’s, continuing collaboration with Hoyle, position of Caltech and Kellogg Lab in physics and radio astronomy, work on government committees. Concludes with highlights of career.

Interviewed by
Finn Aaserud
Interview date
Location
California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA
Abstract

Interview discusses Murray Gell-Mann's involvements in science policy, science advising and other aspects of his career.

Interviewed by
Finn Aaserud
Interview date
Location
IBM Research Lab, Croton-Harmon, NY
Abstract

Focused interview on Garwin's work with JASON. Discussion includes: origin of JASON; funding; problems of access to documents; JASON reports; the electronic battlefield and sensors in Vietnam, 1967; arms limitation (U.S. Navy); and JASON's administrative structure.

Interviewed by
Finn Aaserud
Interview date
Location
National Academy of Science, Washington, D. C.
Abstract

Interview primarily related to his involvement with JASON. Some other topics include: his work as a stress analyst with aircraft at Curtis Wright Corp. in early 1940s; work at Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory; his appointment as Assistant Secretary of the Air Force.