| Citation | Distinguished for seminal applications of laser techniques to chemical problems and for profound insight into the underlying dynamics. His laser induced fluorescence studies of energy disposal in reacting systems revolutionized the fields of reaction dynamics and molecular photodissociation. In particular his experiments on the reaction Ba + HF(v = 0,1) - BaF(v = 0-12) = H marked a milestone as the first quantitative determination of reaction rates from one quantum state to another. In addition his work on the angular distribution of photofragments opened the way to studies of vector correlations between the reactant and /or product velocities and the directions of polarization of absorbed and emitted photons - vital information for any deep understanding of the dynamics of photodissociation. For example Zare used these techniques to discover an alignment of the rotational angular momentum of Na2 in a seeded He atom beam and to demonstrate markedly different collisional properties of the components of A-doublet states which differ only according to the relative orientations of the [check this symbol] electron cloud and the axis of rotation.
Zare has also pioneered the combination of molecular beam and multiphon ionization techniques to extract state specific information, with particular reference to systems involving hydrogen mlecules. His recent determinations of the quantum state distribution of HD from the reaction H + D2 and of the state to state dynamics of the D + H2(v = 1, J = 1) - HD(v' , J') + H reaction are vital to our understanding of this simplest of all chemical reactions. Related laser induced fluorescence and multiphoton ionization experiments have also been performed to elucidate molecule/metal surface interactions. It has been shown for example that NO molecules evaporating from Pt(111) surfaces rotate, like a helicopter blade, in a plane parallel to the surface, but that those scattered from the surface bounce off in a cartwheel fashion.
In summary Zare's technical ability and intellectual virtuosity have transformed the field of chemical reaction dynamics. His direct impact is mainly experimental but the experiments that he has performed could only be visualised by someone with a profound understnding of chemical physics. His book on angular momentum demonstrates a grasp of detail for moecular problems unmatched by most specialist theoreticians. |