Radars in WWll
By Madelynn Goss and Paige Conner
Development
Different materials were tried out to build better crystals so they wouldn't burn out as fast. Seymour Benzer found that germanium crystals made the best detectors.
Use
1940s radar relied on a semiconductor crystal, or "rectifier." Radar worked by sending out a radio wave and analyzing the reflected wave after it bounced off any objects in the air. The rectifier's job was to translate the reflected signal into the direct current necessary for visualization on the screen. These crystals often couldn't handle the quickness and intensity of a rapidly changing radar signal. They would burn out frequently.
Effectiveness
During World War II, battles were won by the side that was first to spot enemy airplanes, ships, or submarines. To give the Allies an edge, British and American scientists developed radar technology to "see" for hundreds of miles, even at night. The research that went into improving radar helped set the stage for post-war research into the transistor.
Impact
It won the war for the Allies by allowing them to obtain information about attacks. Scientists and engineers found dozens of ways of using it.
Did it effect the ethics of war?
Yes the attack on Pearl Harbor could have been avoided if the radar would have been used.