Ginzton, Edward L. (Edward Leonard), 1915-1998

Co-founder of Varian Associates and a pioneer in microwave tube technology and linear accelerator development. As a graduate student at Stanford during the 1930's, Ginzton joined Russell and Sigurd Varian and physics professors William W. Hansen and David L. Webster to develop the klystron tube, an integral part of radar and the linear accelerator concept. After working on radar systems during World War II, Ginzton returned to Stanford in 1946 as a professor of applied physics. He joined Hansen in the establishment of the Microwave Laboratory at Stanford. Becoming director of the Laboratory in 1949, he worked with Henry Kaplan in adapting the linear accelerator for the treatment of cancer. He directed Project M, which led to the construction of the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (a two-mile linear accelerator). In 1948, Ginzton helped found Varian Associates, becoming chairman of the board and chief executive officer in 1959. Ginzton was elected a member of the National Academy of Science and the National Academy of Engineering; he has also served on the Stanford University Board of Trustees.

Biographical/Historical Sketch

Co-founder of Varian Associates and a pioneer in microwave tube technology and linear accelerator development. As a graduate student at Stanford during the 1930's, Ginzton joined Russell and Sigurd Varian and physics professors William W. Hansen and David L. Webster to develop the klystron tube, an integral part of radar and the linear accelerator concept. After working on radar systems during World War II, Ginzton returned to Stanford in 1946 as a professor of applied physics. He joined Hansen in the establishment of the Microwave Laboratory at Stanford. Becoming director of the Laboratory in 1949, he worked with Henry Kaplan in adapting the linear accelerator for the treatment of cancer. He directed Project M, which led to the construction of the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (a two-mile linear accelerator). In 1948, Ginzton helped found Varian Associates, becoming chairman of the board and chief executive officer in 1959. Ginzton was elected a member of the National Academy of Science and the National Academy of Engineering; he has also served on the Stanford University Board of Trustees.