Scientific legacy of Robert L. Platzman. Preliminary report

One of the founders of radiation physics and chemistry, Platzman (1918-73) taught us elements of our current understanding such as the nature of the h ydrated electron, the basic theory of the yield of ions and other initial-p roduct species, and the importance of the oscillator-strength spectrum. In addition to all this seen in the literature, he left many unpublished mater ials, some of which contain stimulating thoughts and valuable ideas for exp erimental and theoretical work in the 21st century. (C) 2001 Published by E lsevier Science Ltd.