Tony Orchard

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]

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

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]

Personal life

Tony Orchard was an amateur sportsman, playing tennis and snooker.[2] At an early age, he won snooker games with the later world champions Terry Griffiths and Ray Reardon. Orchard's friends included former United States president Bill Clinton, who he met during the 1960s when Clinton was studying at University College as a Rhodes Scholar. Orchard was married to his wife Jeanne and later divorced, with two sons and two daughters. He died aged 64 of colon cancer.

References
  1. "A. F. Orchard: Gifted research chemist and teacher". Obituaries. The Independent. 22 October 2005.
  2. 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.
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