Axel D. Becke

Axel Dieter Becke ( born June 10, 1953 in Esslingen ) is a professor of chemistry at Dalhousie University in Halifax.

Career

After studying chemistry at Queen 's University, Kingston ( Ontario), from which he graduated in 1975, his doctorate in 1981 at McMaster University in Hamilton (Ontario). From 1981 to 1983 he was a researcher at Dalhousie University, where he teaches as a professor today.

Becke developed on the basis of molecular orbital theory, the world's first screening method that is not based on the MO method. He is also in the field of density functional theory (DFT ) where he explores the structure of atoms and molecules. Together with J. P. Perdew Becke succeeded to prove that the DFT in quantum chemistry can serve as an effective tool. He developed a special computer program with a high degree of precision can be achieved in the calculation of the structure of molecules.

Awards

In 2000, Becke was awarded the Schrödinger Medal of the World Association of Theoretically Oriented Chemists ( WATOC ).

Publications (selection )

• Density functionals and transition -metal atom. In: The Journal of chemical physics. Vol 127 (2007), ISSN 0021-9606
• A unified density -functional treatment of dynamical, nondynamical, and dispersion correlations. In: The Journal of chemical physics. Vol 127 (2007), ISSN 0021-9606.
• A unified density -functional treatment of dynamical, nondynamical, and dispersion correlations. II Thermochemical and kinetic benchmarks. Vol 128 (2008), ISSN 0021-9606.

Swell

• Profile of Axel D. Becke. International Academy of Quantum Molecular Science. Accessed on 23 November 2012.
• Interview with Axel Becke. Accessed on 23 November 2012.