Summary |
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| Creator: | Levinstein, Henry. |
| Title: | Henry Levinstein Papers |
| Dates: | 1937-2013 |
| Size: | 2 boxes (2 linear feet) |
| Abstract: | The Henry Levinstein Papers contain his correspondence, clippings, writings on infrared detectors, class notes, presentations, and awards. |
| Language: | English |
| Repository: |
University Archives, Special Collections Research Center Syracuse University Libraries 222 Waverly Ave., Suite 600 Syracuse, NY 13244-2010 https://library.syracuse.edu/special-collections-research-center/university-archives |
Biography
Henry Levinstein (1919-1986) was an American physicist and professor at Syracuse University.
Henry Levinstein was born on December 4, 1919, in Germany. In 1935, his parents sent him to the United States to live with his uncle in order to escape Nazi Germany. In 1938, Levinstein enrolled in the University of Michigan, where he earned his Bachelor of Science (1942), Master of Science (1943), and Ph.D. in physics (1947). His research was mainly focused on infrared detectors, detector materials, and measuring techniques. A large portion of his research after 1947 was funded by the United States Air Force.
Levinstein joined the Syracuse University teaching faculty as an assistant professor in 1947. His ability to teach was recognized by the University as well as his students. His teaching goal was to reach students with non-science backgrounds and generate an interest in physics. He had a way of simplifying physics for his students. Combining his teaching methods with his dynamic and humorous personality made him well-liked and respected teacher. His students went on to make significant contributions to United States infrared detection technology. The most notable contribution made by his students at Syracuse University was the mercury-doped germanium detector in 1961.
Levinstein taught several physics classes while at Syracuse University, but he is most remembered for his course, “The Physics of Toys.” The course was developed around his large collection of toys that he stored in the basement of the Syracuse University Physics Building. He purchased these toys through yard sales, flea markets, toy stores, and catalogs. He often used his collection for physics demonstrations at organizations all over the country. Many people responded to the demonstrations with great enthusiasm.
During Levinstein’s professional career he was a member of several organizations. He served as the chairman of the New York State section of the American Physical Society, chairman of the Detector Specialty Group of Infrared Information Symposium, chairman of the Optical Society of America, and honorary member and president of the Syracuse chapter of Phi Kappa Phi. He was also a consultant for many electronic companies within the Unites States, including IBM, General Electric, RCA, Westinghouse, and Honeywell.
In 1971, Levinstein began teaching a summer course at the University of California on infrared detectors in addition to his course work at Syracuse University. While there he designed a laboratory for the course that was the only one of its kind in the United States during that time. He continued to teach the course until 1983.
Levinstein continued to teach at Syracuse University and give local lectures on the physics of toys. In 1985, the Henry Levinstein Award was established by the MSS Detector Specialty Group to recognize individuals' lifetime achievement in the technical management of infrared detector technology.
Henry Levinstein died in June 1986.
Scope and Content Note
The Henry Levinstein Papers contain materials dating from 1937 to 2013.
The majority of the collection contains research papers written while Henry Levinstein was at Syracuse University. Other materials include content from his courses, including his notes, directions for labs, presentations, and VHS and DVD recordings of his class, “The Physics of Toys.” In addition, there are research proposals to the National Science Foundation, a copy of his dissertation from the University of Michigan, correspondence related to professional organizations, and awards he was given.
In addition, there is a DVD containing the paper, “Professor Henry Levinstein of Syracuse University and his impact on infrared detectors in the U.S.” The paper was written by Levinstein’s former students, Paul LoVecchio ’64 and Paul Northon ’70, as well as his stepson, Robert L. Strass. The paper contains personal reflections on Levinstein’s life by his stepson Robert Strass, discussions on his impact on infrared detectors, and personal remembrance from students. Further, there are discussions pertaining to the awards he received as well as presentations and publications by Levinstein and his students. The DVD also contains a folder of digital images relating to his personal life and professional career.
Restrictions
Access Restrictions
Please note that the collection is housed off-site, and advance notice is required to allow time to have the materials brought to the Reading Room on campus.
Use Restrictions
Written permission must be obtained from University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries and all relevant rights holders
before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this
collection.
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Preferred Citation
Preferred citation for this material is as follows:
Henry Levinstein Papers,
University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries
Acquisition Information
The Henry Levinstein Papers were donated to the Archives by Betty Levinstein in 2007, additional material was donated in by Karen Weiss Jones in 2013.
Processing Information
All materials were placed in acid-free folders and boxes. Some photograph negatives were placed into mylar.
Finding Aid Information
Created by: Zachary Burnham
Date: 2013
Revision history: