Robert H. Dicke was an American physicist known for his contributions to cosmology and experimental physics. He played a significant role in the development of the Big Bang theory and was instrumental in the prediction of the cosmic microwave background radiation, which provided evidence for the theory. Dicke also made advancements in gravitational physics and was known for his work on the Dicke effect, which describes how the presence of a medium can affect the propagation of light. His research has had a lasting impact on both theoretical and experimental physics, influencing many areas of modern science.