Eugen Goldstein (5.09.1850-25.12.1930) was a German physicist. He was born in Gleiwitz. He studied (1869-70) at the University of Breslau. From 1872 he worked at the University of Berlin, from 1878 at the Potsdam Observatory (in 1881 he received his doctorate), in 1890 — 96 at the Physico-Technical Institute and in 1896—1927 at the Higher Technical School in Berlin.
His work concerned the study of electric discharges in rarefied gases, of cathode rays and of spectroscopy. In 1876 he showed that cathode rays travel in straight lines and are emitted perpendicular to the surface of the cathode, in 1880 he detected their deflection in a magnetic field, in 1882 their diffuse reflection from the anode, and in 1895—98 the luminescence of salts under the action of cathode rays. He ascribed wave properties to cathode rays (Goldstein's wave hypothesis). He discovered canal rays (1886). He studied the one-way conduction of the vacuum space in a cathode tube. He improved (1908) methods of obtaining spark spectra.
The D. Hughes Medal (1908).