Cashman, Robert J., 1906-1988
Dates
- Existence: 1906 - 1988
Biography
Robert Joseph Cashman was born on September 27, 1906, in Wilmington, Ohio. After obtaining his B.A. (physics) at Bethany College in 1928, he entered Northwestern University where he earned his M.A. (1930) and Ph.D. (1935) in physics.
In 1936 Cashman joined the Northwestern faculty as an assistant professor of physics. He was promoted to associate professor in 1941 and professor in 1947. He retired in 1975 as professor emeritus.
Cashman's early research interests in photovoltaic and photoemissive cells culminated in the development of cells which were used early in World War II. The gradual deterioration of these cells, however, led him to develop a stable thallous sulfide photoconductive cell which was more useful. During and after the War Cashman directed several military research projects along these and related lines. His cells were widely used in optical communications systems and in infrared astronomy. He obtained seven patents for these cells.
On June 8, 1940, Cashman married Agnes E. Jones (see Series 25/5), an assistant professor of physical education at Northwestern. The couple had two children, John and Linda Cashman Modine.
Robert J. Cashman died on September 27, 1988.