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Allan Stauffer, a long-serving professor and professor emeritus of mathematical physics at York University specializing in atomic scattering theory, passed away on Dec. 15.
Stauffer specialized in atomic, molecular and optical physics, in particular theoretical research on the scattering of electrons and positrons from atoms and simple molecules.
During his nearly four decades at York, Stauffer's work often involved collaborating with graduate students and international co-workers to perform large-scale numerical computations (focused on scattering from heavy atoms) and developing theoretical and numerical methods to carry them out.
For example, he was involved in the development of the successful relativistic distorted-wave method for evaluating the scattering cross-sections as well as the spin polarization parameters for the scattered electrons and the Stokes parameters for the light emitted from atoms excited during the scattering interactions.
Over the course of his career, he was involved with over 300 publications and more than 4,000 citations.
Beyond his academic work, he was a keen hiker, canoeist and cross-country skier.
Stauffer's family will receive those who wish to pay their respects at the Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home in Guelph, Ont., on Friday, Dec. 22 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. A celebration of life will be held in the Hart Chapel at 11:30 a.m., followed by a reception.
If desired, memorial donations can be made to Amnesty International Canada or the Nature Conservancy of Canada.