Description
The Varian papers span almost a hundred years of creative and independent thinking, from
early manuscripts of poetry by John O. Varian, to the creation and growth of Varian
Associates. In addition to original research notebooks and correspondence regarding the
klystron, the papers of Russell and Sigurd Varian include materials on numerous other
inventions and ideas from Russell's work for Philo Farnsworth and Humble Oil as well as the
brothers' years at Stanford and at Varian Associates. Unpublished short stories by Sigurd
reveal his sense of humor as well as the adventure and danger of his career as a pilot in
Mexico and Central America.
Background
Russsell and Sigurd Varian were co-inventors, with William W. Hansen, of the klystron and
rhumbatron and co-founders of Varian Associates. Educated at Stanford University, physicist
and inventor Russell Varian began his career with Philo Farnsworth on early television
technology and with Humble Oil on instrumentation for oil exploration. In 1935, he returned
to Stanford. Joined by his brother, Sigurd, a pilot with Pan American Airlines, he began
work on microwave technology as a research assistant with Professor William Hansen. The
klystron patent brought both financial gain to the University and the attention of federal
research agencies, while leading to the formation of Varian Associates, one of California's
first Silicon Valley companies.
Restrictions
Property rights reside with the repository. Literary rights reside with the creators of the
documents or their heirs. To obtain permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the
Public Services Librarian of the Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives.
Availability
The materials are open for research use.