| Citation | Dr. Watson is distinguished for his work on the theory of molecular spectroscopy. His studies have led to simplifications of the fundamental Hamiltonian, recognition of specific symmetry properties, the development of efficient perturbation procedures, and a deeper understanding of the isotopic dependence of molecular parameters. An examination of centrifugal distortion effects led to a reduction in the number of parameters for asymmetric top molecules, to the discovery of clustering in high levels of spherical tops, and to the prediction of forbidden rotational spectra in certain non-polar molecules, including methane. His recent work includes the theory of the Jahn-Teller effect in the Rydberg states of H3 and D3. |