Radio age research, manufacturing, communications, broadcasting, television (1941)

RCA Research Aims SCIENTIFIC DEVELOPMENTS IN RCA LABORATORIES CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ADVANCEMENT OF THE NATION By Otto S. Schairer Vice President in Charge RCA Laboratories RADIO CORPORATION OF AMERICA was created to put into practical use the contribu- tions of science and engineering. Its subseiiuent growth and progress have been based in large measure upon the achievements of its lab- oratories. The first quarter-century of RCA history has been marked by initia- tive and resourcefulness in re- search and development, and by revolutionary ventures to make the results of its original work of serv- ice and benefit to the public. Global, marine, continental, aero- nautical and broadcasting commu- nication by radio have become com- monplace. Radio and electronics contribute greatly to the superior- ity of weapons, equipment and com- munications which are assisting the armed forces of the United Nations in winning the war. Tele- vision, fre(|uency modulation and facsimile l)roadcasting, radio relay- ing and many other new radio and electronic services and devices will speed reconstruction and rehabili- tation in the postwar period. RCA has pioneered and has exer- cised initiative and leadership in all of these fields. Its research, devel- opment and inventions have been major factors in the creation of these new services and products. Its record of scientific accomplish- ments and of contributions to in- dustrial progress is inspiring; it is one of which all members of the organization can be proud. It strengthens their determination to meet the challenges of the present lo make a greater future. Advance- ment of the radio, electronic and kindred arts is their primary objec- tive. Original, creative and con- structive work are the means em- [iloyed to attain this end. The eflforts of the scientists and engineers of the Laboratories are devoted to the discovery of previ- ously unknown principles and phe- nomena: to the revelation and ex- pansion of knowledge: to the exten- sion of horizons. They explore new fields and remove barriers to prog- ress. They create and develop new and improved industrial processes and provide new and other services and products: communication to the public. First Laboratory lit 1919 In these ways RCA Laboratories are endeavoring to promote con- tinued industrial expansion, ever- increasing employment opportuni- ties for workers and investors, im- provement of living and working I'onditions, betterment of the gen- eral welfare, and greater under- standing and community of interest among peoples. Imrortmt as were the inventions existing when RCA was organized, they were inadcniuate to make r.ossible the development and ren- dering of an efficient and reliable global communication service by radio. Out of this necessity for further research and development was born the first improvised and crude laboratory of RCA in 1919. It was located in a tent at River- head, L. 1., with a staff of five engineers. As the business of RCA devel- oped and was extended into other radio fields including manufactur- ing, additional laboratories were estal)lished in or near its various plants and offices. A large step in the development of the present re- search organization occurred in 19.!(l with the integration of the research, engineering, manufactur- ing and selling operations in radio fields which had previously been conducted by the General Electric and Westinghouse Companies and RCA. This brought together many experienced research workers who formed the nucleus of the staffs until recently associated with the manufacturing activities of RCA. It was long the dream of those in charge of the research work of RCA that some day central labora- tories would be erected to which would be transferred many, if not most, of the research activities which originated at several scat- tered locations. After the outbreak (if World War II in Euroiie increas- ing demands were made for the conduct of research and develop- ment work directed toward the cre- ation of new radio implements of war. It soon became api)arent that the research laboratories should be moved out of the principal manu- facturing plants to provide space [8 RADIO AGE]