Modelling galaxy clustering: halo occupation distribution versus subhalo matching.

We model the luminosity-dependent projected and redshift-space two-point correlation functions (2PCFs) of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Data Release 7 Main galaxy sample, using the halo occupation distribution (HOD) model and the subhalo abundance matching (SHAM) model and its extension. All the models are built on the same high-resolution -body simulations. We find that the HOD model generally provides the best performance in reproducing the clustering measurements in both projected and redshift spaces.

Microfluidic tuning of distributed feedback quantum cascade lasers.

In this Letter, we report the tuning of the emission wavelength of a single mode distributed feedback quantum cascade laser by modifying the mode effective refractive index using fluids. A fabrication procedure to encapsulate the devices in polymers for microfluidic delivery is also presented. The integration of microfluidics with semiconductor laser (optofluidics) is promising for new compact and portable lab-on-a-chip applications.

Efficient deconvolution of noisy periodic interference signals.

The interference signal formed by combining two coherent light beams carries information on the path difference between the beams. When the path difference is a periodic function of time, as, for example, when one beam is reflected from a vibrating surface and the other from a fixed surface, the interference signal is periodic with the same period as the vibrating surface. Bessel functions provide an elegant and efficient means for deconvoluting such periodic interference signals, thus making it possible to obtain the displacement of the moving surface with nanometer resolution.