Herman's Research
and the American Presidency
During the end of the Truman administration, the Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson years, and the beginning of the Nixon years, Herman's research activities were essentially nil. In the middle of the Nixon administration he worked on optically pumped lasers. Somewhat overshadowed by the incident involving the Watergate Hotel, was his subsequent investigation of Dicke superradiance. The Ford years were marked by his work on laser-induced chemistry. Concurrently, the size of the molecules he investigated increased from a diatomic, HF, in his previous work to a triatomic, NO2, in his then current work. During the early Carter years, he sought the elusive mode-selective chemistry. The Carter years were also highlighted by Herman's research on infrared laser isotope separation of deuterium. Again, the molecules he studied became larger, with his emphasis now on the pentatomic CDF3. The Reagan administration saw his hydrogen isotope get 1 amu heavier, as he investigated infrared laser isotope separation of tritium. The middle Reagan years also saw this activity end and Herman entering the field of direct laser writing of microstructures. This period also saw his interest begin in optically probing thin film processing and Raman scattering. The Bush I administration saw his efforts in these areas continue and the beginning of his interest in the physics of confined structures at high pressure and strain. With the change in the party in power with Clinton coming into office, Herman's research shifted in part to the optical diagnostics of plasma processing. Clinton's second term saw Herman enter the area of the physics and chemistry of nanocrystals. Note that as his research effort and girth grew, so did the size of his molecules, with his nanocrystals containing ~1000 atoms. The Bush II administration saw his interest in this area of nanophysics grow, highlighted by his activity in directed assembly of nanocrystals. During the Obama administration, his activities in the properties of van der Waals materials grew. His interest in nanomaterial assembly and nanomaterial properties was still strong during the Trump and Biden administrations. Herman awaits future developments in the American Presidency with curiosity and enthusiasm.