Edward Ginzton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Ginzton
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Born | Yekaterinoslav, Russian Empire (now Ukraine)
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December 27, 1915
Died | August 13, 1998 Stanford, California, U.S.
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(aged 82)
Nationality | American |
Alma mater | University of California, Berkeley; Stanford University |
Awards | IEEE Medal of Honor (1969) |
Scientific career | |
Fields | Electrical engineering |
Institutions | Stanford University |
Edward Leonard Ginzton was an important engineer who helped create many useful technologies. He was born in Ukraine on December 27, 1915. Later, he became an American citizen. He passed away on August 13, 1998.
Contents
Learning and Degrees
Edward Ginzton loved to learn! He studied Electrical Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. He earned his first degree (a Bachelor's) in 1936 and a Master's degree in 1937. He then continued his studies at Stanford University. In 1941, he earned his Ph.D. in electrical engineering there.
His Work and Discoveries
Early Career at Stanford
While studying at Stanford, Ginzton worked with other smart people. These included William Webster Hansen and two brothers, Russell and Sigurd Varian. In 1941, he joined their team at a company called Sperry Gyroscope.
After World War II, in 1945, Ginzton became a professor. He taught physics at Stanford University. He stayed there until 1961, helping to teach new engineers.
Building Accelerators and Leading Labs
In 1949, Ginzton and Marvin Chodorow built something amazing. They created a very long particle accelerator at Stanford. It was 220 feet long! This machine could speed up tiny particles to high energies.
After this big project, Ginzton became the director of the Microwave Laboratory. This lab was later renamed the Ginzton Laboratory in his honor.
Starting a Company: Varian Associates
Edward Ginzton was also a founder of a company called Varian Associates. He started it in 1948 with Russell and Sigurd Varian. Nine people were on the first board of directors. This group included Ginzton, the Varian brothers, and other smart scientists and lawyers.
Later, Ginzton became the CEO and chairman of Varian Associates. This happened after Russell Varian passed away from a heart attack. Sigurd Varian also died in a plane crash.
Awards and Recognition
In 1969, Ginzton received a very special award. It was the IEEE Medal of Honor. He earned it for his great work with klystrons. Klystrons are special vacuum tubes that make high-power radio waves. His work helped improve linear particle accelerators.
Ginzton was also a member of two important groups. These were the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Sciences. Being a member of these groups is a big honor for scientists.
His Family Life

Edward Ginzton was born in Ukraine. Before moving to California in 1929, he lived in China.
On June 16, 1939, Edward Ginzton married Artemas Alma McCann. She was born in 1913 and passed away in 2000. They had four children together. Their names were Anne, Leonard, Nancy, and David.