Solution based synthesis of perovskite-type oxide films and powders Page: 6 of 233

                                
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Although this dissertation is attributed to a single author, the work reported here
would not have been completed without the help of several individuals, to whom I am
deeply indebted. Of these individuals, I would like to first acknowledge my advisor,
Professor Robert E. Salomon, for four years of constant instruction, guidance, and
encouragement. He has devoted countless hours to my education. I thank him sincerely for
his dedication and friendship, and hope to honor his name in the future.
I am also greatly indebted to Dr. Nicholas V. Coppa of Los Alamos National
Laboratory. Although he did not know me personally or professionally, Dr. Coppa hired
me as a Graduate Research Assistant at Los Alamos on the recommendation of Dr.
Salomon. I have benefited greatly from the opportunity to work with him. I believe him to
be one of the most energetic and creative individuals that I have had the privilege to know.
In my early years as a graduate student, I learned a great deal about research and
chemistry from Dr. Richard W. Schaeffer of Franklin and Marshall College (who, at the
time was a fellow graduate student in Dr. Salomon's group). Rick was always willing to
explain a concept or contribute to scientific discussions. In addition, the research reported
in Chapter 7 of this work would not have been possible had Dr. Schaeffer not introduced
the author to use of liquid ammonia as a solvent in the preparation of cuprate
superconductors. I wholeheartedly thank him.
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