Reflections on a Measurement of the Gravitational Constant Using a Beam Balance and 13 Tons of Mercury

In 2006, a final result of a measurement of the gravitational constant $G$ performed by researchers at the University of Zurich was published. A value of $G=6.674,252(122)times 10^{-11},mbox{m}^3,mbox{kg}^{-1},mbox{s}^{-2}$ was obtained after an experimental effort that lasted over one decade. Here, we briefly summarize the measurement and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of this approach.

Resonant Photoelectron Diffraction with circularly polarized light

Resonant angle scanned x-ray photoelectron diffraction (RXPD) allows the determination of the atomic and magnetic structure of surfaces and interfaces. For the case of magnetized nickel the resonant L2 excitation with circularly polarized light yields electrons with a dichroic signature from which the dipolar part may be retrieved. The corresponding L2MM and L3MM Auger electrons carry different angular momenta since their source waves rotate the dichroic dipole in the electron emission patterns by distinct angles.