ERDA 40Â years ago

In this paper it will be explained how the elastic recoil detection method was developed. This development came from the close collaboration of two groups of scientists coming from different horizons: one group was composed of surface scientists and the other of nuclear physicists. This led to the development of ERDA and to the solution of a difficult technical problem: the corrosion of internal walls of nuclear reactors. The original documents will be used to describe the different steps of this development. It will also be shown that the power of ERDA was rapidly recognized by the scientific community. In addition, some of the problems that were met during this development are discussed and some conclusions are drawn from this experience.