Isotope Effects in the Predissociation of Excited States of N Produced by Photoionization of N and N at Energies Between 24.2 and 25.6 eV.

Photoelectron/photoion imaging spectrometry employing dispersed VUV radiation from the SOLEIL synchrotron has been used to study the predissociation of N states located up to 1.3 eV above the ion's first dissociation limit. Branching ratios for unimolecular decay into either N or N were obtained by measuring coincidences between threshold electrons and mass-selected product ions, using a supersonic beam of either N or N as photoionization target.

Contamination by nickel, copper and zinc during the handling of euro coins.

The introduction of the euro has revived interest in the risk of nickel allergy due to the handling of coins. In the present work, the transfer of metallic contamination during the manipulation of coins is examined by means of leaching experiments and manipulation tests. It is shown that pre-existing metallic species present on the surface of the coins are the major source of contamination during manipulation, and that friction inherent to everyday usage contributes predominantly to their transfer to the hands.