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This is one of a set artifacts that typify the infrared detectors those used by astronomers from the 1940's into the 1960's. This small glass tube is an infrared photocell manufactured in 1946 by Robert Cashman of Northwestern University. The tube is coated on part of the interior face with a very thin evaporated layer of lead sulfide (PbS). The conductivity of the coating is modified by impinging infrared photons. This change in conductivity, when amplified by appropriate electronic circuits, is a direct measure of the intensity of the infrared radiation. Detectors such as this were used for studies of the infrared spectra of stars by Cashman and his collaborator Gerard Kuiper. The set of detectors was donated to NASM in 1994 by Dale P. Cruikshank.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
INSTRUMENTS-Scientific
Manufacturer
Robert Cashman Dimensions
3-D: 8.6 × 1.3 × 1.3cm (3 3/8 × 1/2 × 1/2 in.)
Storage: 13 × 10.2 × 1.9cm (5 1/8 × 4 × 3/4 in.) Materials
Glass
Steel
Lead Sulfide Inventory Number
A19940241001
Credit Line
Gift of Dale P. Cruikshank
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.