Dr. Clyde Lorrain Cowan was born December 6, 1919 in Wyandotte, Michigan, near Detroit. Cowan's skills as an engineer brought him to Missouri where he attended the Missouri School of Mines from 1936-1940, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Chemical engineering. After graduating Cowan worked as a chemical engineer for Proctor and Gamble, 1940-1941, and as a chemical engineer for The Missouri Portland Cement company, 1941-1942, before entering the Army Air Force as a chemical engineer in which he received a bronze star for his work in radar, following the war Cowan received his Masters and Doctorate from Washington University in 1949. His dissertation was on "The Absorption of Gama Radiation" and was published in Physical Review in 1948.
After earning his doctorate Cowan moved to New Mexico where he became a physicist for the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, for The University of California, as a leader of the nuclear test division from 1949-1957. Cowan's most famous work was done at Los Alamos when in 1956 he and Dr. Frederick Reines discovered the Neutrino by creating a reactor with 400 liters of water and cadmium chloride; which annihilates an electron until captured by a cadmium nucleus. Following this breakthrough, in 1957-58 Cowan became a physics professor at George Washington University before coming over to Catholic University in 1958, where he would remain until his death in 1974.
During his sixteen year career at Catholic University Cowan was very active in continuing experiments on the Neutrino as well as work on cosmic rays and atomic radiation. Cowan also published 21 articles on different research projects and breakthroughs. His experience led to his appointment as a consultant for the U.N. Conference "Atoms for Peace",1958, a fellow for the Physical Society, Guggenheim fellow, a consultant for the US Atomic Energy Conference, US Naval Ordinance Laboratory, and the Smithsonian. Sadly, Dr. Cowan died of a sudden heart attack on May 24, 1974 at the age of 54. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. During his years as a professor and researcher Clyde Cowan contributed a profound amount of research to the study of physics.
The Clyde Lorrain Cowan papers consist of five series. The first series is a collection of physics notes that Cowan had taken during the early 1960s. There are three boxes within this collection and it consists of bound notebooks with computation notes for various physics research projects. The second series is a collection of Cowan's Neutrino research notes, as well as physics notes. These notes are either handwritten or typed out reports for various organizations, as well as correspondence on his research to other academics in his field. The Neutrino notes include notes from his famous 1956 experiment as well as further research on the Neutrino and atomic energy. The third series is a collection of class notes, exams, and research proposals. This particular series gives a sampling of what type of classes Cowan taught at Catholic University as well as what type of research projects that he conducted during his sixteen year career at Catholic University.
The fourth series is a collection of articles from scientific journals, personal publications, and a personal notebook on the Neutrino. The topics involved in the scientific journals are on the Neutrino, cosmic rays, and atomic energy/weapons technology. The fifth series is Computer calculations collected from the research that Cowan had done through the years. Most of these are basic calculations with minor annotations that give some insight on what project Cowan was working on at the time. The last series is a collection of blueprints for a proposed observatory for Catholic University and a collection of slides from research done at the Los Alamos laboratory in New Mexico.
The Cowan collection gives an in depth insight into the career of one of Catholic University's most gifted physicists. The papers include notes from various points in Cowan's career in physics; from his work on the Neutrino at Los Alamos to his later research done on cosmic rays at Catholic. There are also notes on his work on various projects for other organizations. The collection is unique because it includes both manuscript notes as well as mathematical computations for the research that Cowan completed. Lastly, Cowan's collection of scientific journal articles gives insight to what other researchers were doing during this time period in relation to Cowan's research. Overall, this collection gives a good understanding on the research done by Clyde Lorrain Cowan.
Series 1: Physics Computation Notes, 1960-1966, Boxes 1-3
Series 2: Physics and Neutrino Notes, 1939-1974, Boxes 4-9
Series 3: Class Notes, Exams, and Research Proposals, 1949-1970, Boxes 10-11
Series 4: Scientific Journals, Publications, and Notebooks, 1952-1972, Boxes 12-15
Series 5: Computer Notes, 1961-1969, Boxes 16-17
Series 6: Oversize, ca.1956-1966, Box 18
None
This record series is indexed under the following controlled access subject terms.
On July 16, 1975 and June 14, 1978 Mrs. Betty Cowan donated her late husband's papers to The Catholic University Archives through Dr. George A. Hruneni and Dr. Anthony Zito.
Processing in 2011 by Lauren Kanne and in 2012 by Raymond Moore. EAD markup completed in 2012 by Raymond Moore.
This series consists of three boxes of bounded notebooks of physics equations from various proofs and research projects. Most of these notebooks are partially full or have four to five pages written in them.
Six pages of various equations on Euler's space as well as several loose leaf pages in the back of the book with equations
A partially filled notebook, twenty pages, of electromagnetic interaction computations
A full notebook including a lecture pamphlet, an article, and a report on Cosmic Rays and generalized equations, includes complex computations
Particle Theory computations with written explanations to go along with the equations.
Equations and excerpts from an article on various matters; the main focus being concrete.
Equations and printed excerpts from a physics textbook
A book of computations and explanations on cathode rays and various nuclear gasses in relation to the Smithsonian research
2 pages with a table of contents and a bibliography on Mu-Meson's book. There are no notes or computations.
Computations and written explanations on Cosmic Rays in relation to the Neutrino
Neutrino computations with written explanations and pictures.
Detailed computations, graphs, and explanations on a five month Neutrino experiment.
Neutrino experiments done outside of CUA; with equations, photos, and explanations.
Book of equations and diagrams on a "dector".
Experiment with computations and a written explanation on spark chamber changes, 32 pages.
Equations and explanations on the sun in relation to atomic structures.
Tables and Charts explaining the equations of cosmic neutrinos, including pasted selections from other notebooks.
Book of charts with film negatives of neutrino experiment
More charts and data tables from cosmic neutrinos experiment.
This series consists of notes on physics and neutrino experiments, as well as correspondence concerning this scientific research. Many of these notes are in the form of typed out reports that were written by Cowan, as well as other physicists. The research also includes works on atomic energy, energy of the stars, and cosmic rays.
Written form for the Naval Research Laboratory
Written form for the Naval Research Laboratory
Report on the nuclear science museum at the A.E.C.
Written report on Cosmic Rays
Letter of approval for CUA Physics Department to research on "Detector Development".
Photocopy of article from March 1, 1939 edition of Physical Review
Written form for the Naval Research Laboratory
photocopy of thesis for research
Another report on the National Science Center
A detailed written report with graphs, charts, and equations
U.S. Air Force Notes on nuclear physics.
Los Alamos Laboratory Correspondence with Dow Chemical Company. File includes charts and a detailed report.
A contractor's meeting report for the ONR Power Program
Research done on the Neutrino by the Advanced Research Corporation and a collection of the best reports during this three year span.
Written form for the Naval Research Laboratory
Notes on Angular Distribution as well as excerpts from articles
26 copies of a Los Alamos Laboratory report by Dr. Frederick Reines and Dr. Clyde Cowan.
Copy of Cowan's Dissertation
Los Alamos Report by Frederick Reines
Typed report by G.L. Buckwalter and C.L. Cowan
CUA Physics Department report on the Neutrino-Detection System
Several reports on the neutrino detection and early experiments by Reines and Cowan.
Written form for the Naval Research Laboratory
An academic article with 1972 notes
17 copies of Cowan's report on the Neutrino
Report on the Neutrino by Reines and Wheeler for Cowan
Correspondence related to research done at Catholic University, as well as a resume and papers of employment from Catholic University
CUA report on Nuclear physics from January 31, 1960
Research report conducted by Cowan and Reines from Los Alamos Laboratory
Correspondence on research done for C.E.R.N.
Cowan's research notes and several copies of his dissertation on "The Absorption of Gama Radiation
Physics Review report on the Antineutrino conducted by Reines and Cowan, 2 copies
Article on research done on the Liquid Scintillation Counter for the Review of Scientific Instruments
Research and report on "The Conservation of the Number of Neutrons" by Reines and Cowan
Research and report on "The Conservation of the Number of Neutrons" by Reines and Cowan
from Physics Review with notes
Los Alamos research and report on "Electron Spectrum from M-Decay" by Reines and Cowan
Confirmation report for pre-publication letter
Report with research notes
Article and research for Physics Review article
Report with leaflets on Neutrino Magnetic Moment from Physics Review
Los Alamos research for "Official Use Only
Experiment on Cosmic Ray Neutrinos in the ocean
Including correspondence with other researchers
Report on Solar Flares with pictures
General report on the rocket
A green binder with all notes, mathematical figures, photographs, and charts from February 4-10, 1964 experiment at Georgetown University. Binder has three pocket size memo books as well
A concise report on Cowan's research on the neutrino. This includes notes, reports, and articles pasted within this collection.
Budget requests for research for laboratory work
includes black and white photocopies
Correspondence with Shell Oil and Standard Oil on Neutrino research
1972 scientific conference on Neutrino research, with program
Neutrino Experiment notes and charts
Notes, charts, and photographs of this experiment
Report on the Sidereal Effect from CUA Physics Department, with correspondence
2nd Report on the Sidereal Effect from CUA Physics Department, with correspondence
Research with Lincoln La Paz on Meteors, with a booklet of research results
Research and correspondence that was never published
3rd Report on the Sidereal Effect from CUA Physics Department, with correspondence
Reports and correspondence
1972 edition of Physical Societies published research
This is a collection of Cowan's class notes and exams from his career at CUA as well as research proposals from his career at CUA and before at The Los Alamos Laboratory. Lastly, his class notes and exams also include any correspondence with students and faculty at CUA concerning classes taught by Cowan.
Elementary particles exam from four high scoring students
Class notes with class notes and IBM cards of students enrolled in the course
Correspondence concerning further scientific research with former students
Atomic Energy Commission research proposal correspondence
photocopies of class exercises given to students
photocopies of class exercises given to students
photocopies of class exercises given to students
Cowan's notes for his physics classes and problems assigned to students
Correspondence on research and roster of physicists from the conference.
Research done for various concrete companies
Exam for the course
Graduate student work and dissertation proposal on Liquid Scintillation System.
Article from Scientific American
Correspondence with Project Rand, National Academy of Sciences, and the Smithsonian on physics research
CUA notices and dissertation notice for Brother Alonzo Maria.
Two annual reports and research publication lists
Research Proposals for the Joyce Foundation, the Department of the Navy, and Catholic University. There is also correspondence with a Harris Corporation consultant
Equipment requests for research
Naval Research report Collisionless Interactions Between Counter streaming Ions in a Laser-Produced Plasma Experiment.
Published research from University of California
Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, 1962, support
European Organization for Nuclear Research report
Proceedings from University of Iowa Seminar
DuPont Chemicals research report on "Decalin"
Published report from Harold Carlton Fitz of The University of Alabama
CUA Safety Committee, prompted after numerous lab accidents
Research Proposal made to the National Aeronautics and Apace Administration from the CUA Physics Department
This series contains Scientific Journals on related research conducted by Cowan. There are also publications published by Cowan, and several of his notebooks on his Neutrino research from 1956. The publications made by Cowan include his years with the Los Alamos Laboratory and his years at CUA.
Photocopied collection of Cowan's notebook of physics equations
Photocopied collection of Cowan's notebook of physics equations
Rough draft of research report
Physics proofs with detailed explanation, from notebook
Physics proofs with detailed explanation, from notebook
Physics proofs with detailed explanation, from notebook
Physics proofs with detailed explanation, from notebook, two copies of Science magazine, and reports on cosmic rays
Physics proofs with detailed explanation, from notebook
Published by U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
Research published on seismichrone from Wallco, Incorporated
Report published by National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council
Neutrino production within a gold mine report published by Frederick Reines at The University of California, 2 copies of the report, and budget.
Lecture notes from University of Indiana's D.B. Lichtenberg
Atomic Energy Commission research published by AEC with correspondence to Cowan.
Draft to the editor of Cowan's contribution on article, Elementary Particles
Two original March 9, 1962 editions of The Catholic Standard, highlight on The Test Ban Treaty and Catholic Education.
Various photocopied journal excerpts on the Neutrino with notes
Published by CUA Physics Department
Published by CUA Physics Department
Various publications on the Anti-Neutrino, including CUA Bulletin article written by Cowan.
Published by Eleventh International Conference on Cosmic Rays
Publications on Astronomy, Science Education, Cosmic Rays, and Radiation. Written by Cowan and various colleagues.
Scotch reel to reel tape produced by the U.S. Information Agency for Mrs. M. Daly Catholic University
Excerpts from "Origin of Elements" as well as excerpts from other scientific journals on particles.
Published by Dr. Herbert Uberall for the Department of the Navy.
A progress report by Cowan on Fusion Plasma Conversion. There is also graphs and an excerpt on the ellipsoid
Black and White photocopy of Cowan's Neutrino notebook with equations, notes, and charts.
Black and White photocopy of Cowan's Neutrino notebook with equations, notes, charts, and journal excerpts.
This series contains all of Cowan's computer notes and readouts from different physics research projects. Most of these readouts are numerical readouts with some brief notes to explain the figures. However, many of these figures come with no explanation at all.
Bound notebook of computer figures for the physics department.
Computer figures
Computer figures with charts
Computer figures with charts
Random computer readings
Computer printouts with random figures
IBM computer guide with programming instructions. Also, there are flowchart instructions and computer readings.
IBM Systems Reference Library owner's manual
IBM computer guide with programming instructions. Also, there are flowchart instructions and computer readings.
Various computer figures
Various computer figures for histogram and SNOW
A complete typed report on computer readings on the origin of magnetic fields.
This series contains a collection of large blueprints for a proposed observatory at Catholic University. The blueprints are very detailed and show what exactly the observatory would have looked like. However, there are no written explanation on the proposal and why it never came to fruition. There is also a small box of slides of experiments conducted at the Los Alamos Laboratory. There are a total of 28 slides.