Vivian Robinson: Difference between revisions
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| alt = Vivian Robinson | | alt = Vivian Robinson | ||
| residence = Canterbury, NSW, Australia | | residence = Canterbury, NSW, Australia | ||
| known_for = [[Properties of the universe]] | | fields = [[Physics]], electron microscopy, cosmology | ||
| known_for = [[Properties of the universe]], Robinson backscattered electron detector | |||
}} | }} | ||
[[Category:Scientist]] | '''Vivian N. E. Robinson''' is an Australian physicist known for developing the Robinson backscattered electron detector for the scanning electron microscope and, in later work, for publishing books and papers presenting an alternative, aether-based account of gravity and cosmology. | ||
==Biography== | |||
Robinson completed a PhD in physics in 1970. During the early to mid 1970s he carried out research at the [[University of New South Wales]], where he developed the backscattered electron detector that came to bear his name. He held an academic position until 1984, after which he spent more than 30 years in industry designing, manufacturing and marketing high-technology mechanical and electronic products before returning to theoretical research. He has resided in Canterbury, New South Wales, Australia. | |||
==Work== | |||
===Electron microscopy=== | |||
Robinson developed what is described as the world's first high-efficiency backscattered electron (BSE) detector for the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The device improved on earlier backscattered detectors and, unlike the conventional secondary electron detector, made it possible to image a wider range of specimens, including uncoated insulators and specimens containing liquids in a vacuum. In 1978 he partnered with Electron Tube Products (ETP) to establish ETP Semra Pty Ltd to commercialize the detector, which was exported internationally, with Japan becoming a primary market. He was granted a United States patent for the detector in 1980. A Series 2 Robinson detector is held in the Powerhouse Museum collection in Sydney. | |||
===Cosmology and physics=== | |||
In later work Robinson turned to theoretical physics and cosmology, proposing an aether-based interpretation of relativity and gravity and arguing that steady-state cosmological models better fit observations than the [[Big Bang]] theory. In 2021 he published "Physical explanation of Einstein's gravity" in the ''Journal of Physics Communications''. He has described his aim as presenting the universe as a logical continuity from sub-atomic particles to large-scale structure using three spatial dimensions, time and established physical principles. | |||
==Books== | |||
* ''The Amazingly Simple Universe'' | |||
* ''How to Build a Universe'' | |||
* ''The Common Sense Universe'' | |||
* ''Introducing the Logical Universe'' | |||
* ''The Rise and Fall of Common Sense'' | |||
==External links== | |||
* [https://www.etpsemra.com.au/about-dr-robinson.html About Dr Robinson — ETP Semra] | |||
* [https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/object/353794 Robinson backscattered electron detector — Powerhouse Collection] | |||
* [https://www.riseandfallofcommonsense.com/about-the-author/ About the Author — riseandfallofcommonsense.com] | |||
[[Category:Scientist|Robinson Vivian]] | |||
Latest revision as of 17:12, 18 July 2026
Vivian Robinson | |
|---|---|
| Residence | Canterbury, NSW, Australia |
| Known for | Properties of the universe, Robinson backscattered electron detector |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Physics, electron microscopy, cosmology |
Vivian N. E. Robinson is an Australian physicist known for developing the Robinson backscattered electron detector for the scanning electron microscope and, in later work, for publishing books and papers presenting an alternative, aether-based account of gravity and cosmology.
Biography
Robinson completed a PhD in physics in 1970. During the early to mid 1970s he carried out research at the University of New South Wales, where he developed the backscattered electron detector that came to bear his name. He held an academic position until 1984, after which he spent more than 30 years in industry designing, manufacturing and marketing high-technology mechanical and electronic products before returning to theoretical research. He has resided in Canterbury, New South Wales, Australia.
Work
Electron microscopy
Robinson developed what is described as the world's first high-efficiency backscattered electron (BSE) detector for the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The device improved on earlier backscattered detectors and, unlike the conventional secondary electron detector, made it possible to image a wider range of specimens, including uncoated insulators and specimens containing liquids in a vacuum. In 1978 he partnered with Electron Tube Products (ETP) to establish ETP Semra Pty Ltd to commercialize the detector, which was exported internationally, with Japan becoming a primary market. He was granted a United States patent for the detector in 1980. A Series 2 Robinson detector is held in the Powerhouse Museum collection in Sydney.
Cosmology and physics
In later work Robinson turned to theoretical physics and cosmology, proposing an aether-based interpretation of relativity and gravity and arguing that steady-state cosmological models better fit observations than the Big Bang theory. In 2021 he published "Physical explanation of Einstein's gravity" in the Journal of Physics Communications. He has described his aim as presenting the universe as a logical continuity from sub-atomic particles to large-scale structure using three spatial dimensions, time and established physical principles.
Books
- The Amazingly Simple Universe
- How to Build a Universe
- The Common Sense Universe
- Introducing the Logical Universe
- The Rise and Fall of Common Sense