Clyde Cowan was an American physicist known for his contributions to experimental physics, particularly in the field of neutrino research. He is best known for his work on the detection of neutrinos, which are elusive subatomic particles produced in nuclear reactions, such as those occurring in the sun or during nuclear decay processes. Cowan, along with fellow physicist Frederick Reines, conducted groundbreaking experiments in the 1950s at the Savannah River Plant in South Carolina.
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Clyde Cowan and Frederick Reines detected reactor electron antineutrinos through inverse beta decay, . The Positron supplied a prompt annihilation signal; capture of the neutron supplied a delayed signal. Requiring this pair and comparing operation at different reactor powers separated the weak interaction signature from background. Their 1956 report tested both the timing and physical origin of the signals, including changes to the neutron-capture material.[ref]
Detection of the Free Neutrino: a Confirmation by Clyde Cowan and others. 1956, reaction, prompt/delayed coincidence, reactor dependence and cadmium checks
A physicist who taught at the Catholic University of America from 1958 to 1974.[ref]
History by Catholic University of America Department of Physics. Independent professional identity
Portrait of Clyde Cowan
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