Roth named MSEL Scientist Emeritus

Recent phase equilibria work on the system BaO:TiO₂:Ta₂O₅ by R.S. Roth and co-workers (Solid State Sciences 5, 149-164 (2003)), included in the reference compilation “Phase Diagrams for Electronic Ceramics I:  Dielectric Ti, Nb, and Ta Oxide Systems”, R.S. Roth, Ed., The American Ceramic Society, 2003.

Robert S. Roth has been named an MSEL Scientist Emeritus, the first person from the Ceramics Division to receive that distinction.

Dr. Roth’s career in the experimental chemistry of ceramic oxide systems has spanned over fifty years. Through his numerous and widely recognized scientific contributions, he is acknowledged by many as the world’s leader in the phase equilibria and crystal chemistry of ceramic solids. He is one of only three scientists from NIST to be distinguished as an ISI “Most Highly Cited” author. He has authored or co-authored over 200 archival publications that document fundamental investigations of a wide variety of ceramic systems, many of which are now in widespread use as important technical ceramics. Examples of his contributions serving as stepping stones for commercialization include his seminal paper on PbZrO₃-PbTiO₃ solid solutions (“PZT”), one of the most important electronic ceramics known to date, with applications as diverse as providing the spark in gas stoves to transducers which position the mirrors in giant telescopes.  ISI stated:

“The publications of R.S. Roth, taken as a body of knowledge, reveal the existence, phase relations, and structural nature of more new ceramic compounds than any other investigator in this field. Bob’s work is internationally recognized as setting the standards in elucidation of the fundamental chemistry, crystallography, and phase equilibria pertinent to the understanding of ceramic systems.” [ISI HighlyCited.com]

Dr. Roth has maintained a high level of scientific activity since his retirement from NIST in 1991.  In retirement, he has authored more than 50 scientific publications, edited or co-edited five books in the Phase Equilbria Diagrams reference series published by the American Ceramic Society, and continued to garner prestigious scientific accolades.  His especially noteworthy awards include:

            2003 Spriggs Phase Equilibria Award, American Ceramic Society

            1995 John Jeppson Award, American Ceramic Society

            1991 Sosman Award, American Ceramic Society

            1986 DoC Gold Medal, U.S. Department of Commerce

            1963 NBS Special Service Award, Meritorious Publication

            1962 DoC Silver Medal, U.S. Department of Commerce