Tony Orchard

Anthony Frederick Orchard
From 2002. Courtesy of University College, Oxford.
Born(1941-04-29)29 April 1941
Died19 November 2005(2005-11-19) (aged 64)
NationalityBritish
Alma materWadham College, Oxford
Merton College, Oxford
Known forPhotoelectron spectroscopy, magnetochemistry
Scientific career
FieldsInorganic chemistry
InstitutionsUniversity College, Oxford

Anthony "Tony" Frederick Orchard (13 March 1941 – 19 August 2005) was a pioneer of inorganic chemistry.[1][2] His research contributed to laying the foundations of much modern consumer electronic technology.[3]

Tony Orchard was born in Carmarthen, Wales, and moved to Swansea. He studied Chemistry first at Wadham College, Oxford as an undergraduate and then towards a DPhil doctoral degree in theoretical inorganic chemistry at Merton College, Oxford. He left Merton College before he had completed his doctorate at the age of 26 to become a Fellow in Inorganic Chemistry at University College in Oxford.[4] He stayed at University College until his death.

During the 1970s, Orchard led a group of researchers working in the area of photoelectron spectroscopy. This enabled scientists to examine the electronic structure of materials. The research was important for technological innovations in modern electronics, helping with the development of advances such as the personal computer and mobile phone. He published the book Magnetochemistry in 2003.[5]

As well as his research contributions, Orchard also helped to improve the system of undergraduate applications for chemistry at Oxford University.[2]

  1. ^ "A. F. Orchard: Gifted research chemist and teacher". Obituaries. The Independent. 22 October 2005.
  2. ^ a b Zhao, Huan (5 October 2005). "Leading chemist dies". News. Cherwell.
  3. ^ Kelly, Tom (20 September 2005). "Tony Orchard: Chemist who made today's consumer electronics possible". Obituary. The Guardian.
  4. ^ Williams, Robert J. P.; Chapman, Allan; Rowlinson, John S., eds. (2009). Chemistry at Oxford: A History from 1600 to 2005. UK: RSC Publishing. pp. 250, 255, 265, 272. ISBN 978-0-85404-139-8.
  5. ^ Magnetochemistry. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2003. ISBN 978-0198792789.