DR. C. J. DAVISSON 783 



the flourescent screen that remained in sharp focus over the entire screen 

 area and had a much improved response characteristic. He took unusual 

 pride in this project, and played a leading part in the design of every ele- 

 ment of the complicated structure. The tube proved to be a useful tool in 

 the evaluation of picture impairment resulting from different types of signal 

 distortion. 



Our laboratories steadily increased their participation in research and 

 development activities for the military beginning in 1938. This effort ex- 

 panded with terrific speed at the beginning of World War II, and soon 

 became our major activity, continuing until the close of hostilities. Davis- 

 son was most anxious to contribute in any way that he could in our mili- 

 tary work. While continuing his researches, he gave attention to the new 

 and important multicavity magnetron that was receiving increasing atten- 

 tion. His background in electron optics made him invaluable as a consultant 

 to Fisk, who led our magnetron work. As in World War I, speed was again 

 the driving force in our programs, and substantially all of our research people 

 turned to development. By keeping aloof from the rapidly moving develop- 

 ment stream, he was able to give unhurried consideration to many of the 

 basic electron dynamics problems of the magnetron. 



When Dr. J. C. Slater joined us in 1943 to participate with Fisk in the 

 basic magnetron problems, Davisson turned his attention to problems of 

 crystal physics in relation to our programs on quartz crystal plates as cir- 

 cuit elements. Our laboratories were the focal point of a large national effort 

 for the development, design, and production of quartz crystal plates for a 

 multitude of electronic circuit applications. Drs. W. P. Mason, W. L. Bond, 

 G. W. Willard, and Armstrong- Wood were the basic science team working 

 on a multitude of problems that arose with the tremendous expansion of 

 quartz plate production and use. 



Davisson spent the major portion of his time from 1943 until his retire- 

 ment in 1946 on a variety of crystal physics problems. He brought a fresh 

 viewpoint into the crystal physics area. Through consultation, analyses, 

 and experiments, he was of material assistance to our crystal physics group 

 in the large contribution they made to the application of quartz plates to 

 electronic systems for the military. 



Davisson exerted a constructive influence on programs and men in the 

 research and development areas of our laboratories throughout the thirty 

 years of his active service. His door was open to all, and through his con- 

 structive interest in the problems presented, he developed large and con- 

 tinuing consulting contacts. This was not an assigned task but rather one 

 that was personal to him, and its amount and continuance through the 

 years were expressions of a facet of his personality. His contribution to the 



