Leo Dana: Cryogenic Science and Technology

APR 01, 1987

Following one academic and industrial career takes us on a tour of some of this century’s most scientifically interesting and economically important discoveries in low‐temperature physics, including helium’s lambda transition and superinsulation.

DOI: 10.1063/1.881105

Russell J. Donnelly

Progress in low‐temperature physics is so rapid today that it is difficult to realize that the field scarcely existed 100 years ago. Leo Isadore Dana is not a familiar name to many physicists, but his contributions during the years 1920–64, a period of many important advances in cryogenics, span a remarkable range of phenomena in low‐temperature physics and technology. This article recalls some of the important projects, from basic research on liquid helium to a wide range of activities in cryogenic and other technology.

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References

1. R. J. Donnelly, A. W. Francis, eds., Cryogenic Science and Technology: Contributions of Leo I. Dana, publication no. L‐6080, Communications Dept, Union Carbide Corporation, Danbury, Conn. 06817 (1985).

More about the authors

Russell J. Donnelly, University of Oregon.