The criterion for election is exceptional contributions to the physics enterprise; e.g., outstanding physics research, important applications of physics, leadership in or service to physics, or significant contributions to physics education. Fellowship is a distinct honor signifying recognition by one's professional peers.
For major contributions to the understanding of weak intermolecular forces, vibrational couplings, intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution, and the development of the technique of electric-resonance optothermal spectroscopy.