Abstract: The present invention is directed to a combination of two types of biocidal materials that give rise to synergistic effects against microorganisms in aqueous systems such that the extent to which the microorganisms are killed exceeds that which one would expect from using the sum of the individual components of the composition. More specifically, this invention is directed to a combination comprising 2-(decylthio)ethaneamine and 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane in an amount effective to inhibit microbial growth. This combination has proven to be particularly effective in inhibiting the growth of Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC 13048 in aqueous systems.

Abstract: Emission of characteristic electromagnetic radiation in the infrared, visible, or UV from excited particles, typically ions, molecules, or neutral atoms, desorbed from solid surfaces by an incident beam of low-momentum probe radiation has been observed. Disclosed is a method for characterizing solid surfaces based on the observed effect, with low-momentum probe radiation consisting of electrons or photons. Further disclosed is a method for controlling manufacturing processes that is also based on the observed effect. The latter method can, for instance, be advantageously applied in integrated circuit-, integrated optics-, and magnetic bubble device manufacture. Specific examples of applications of the method are registering of masks, control of a direct-writing processing beam, end-point detection in etching, and control of a processing beam for laser- or electron-beam annealing or ion implantation.