Image locking system for DNA micro-array synthesis

A method of forming an image locking system for use in DNA micro-array synthesis, the method comprising:

• projecting a first light beam towards a micromirror device that forms an initial alignment pattern;
• reflecting the initial alignment pattern along an optical path and onto a reaction cell;
• capturing an initial alignment image wherein the initial alignment image comprises an alignment mark and the initial alignment pattern projected onto the reaction cell;
• projecting the first light beam towards the micromirror device that forms a current alignment pattern;
• reflecting the current alignment pattern along the optical path and onto the reaction cell;
• capturing a current alignment image wherein the current alignment image comprises the alignment mark and the current alignment pattern projected onto the reaction cell;
• calculating the displacement between the initial alignment image and the current alignment image;
• and
• sending a correction signal to at least one actuator to remove the displacement between the initial alignment image and the current alignment image.

A method of forming an image locking system for use in DNA micro-array synthesis, the method comprising:

• projecting a first light beam towards a micromirror device that forms an initial alignment pattern;
• reflecting the initial alignment pattern along an optical path and onto a reaction cell;
• capturing an initial alignment pattern image of the initial alignment pattern projected onto the reaction cell;
• projecting the first light beam towards a micromirror device that forms a current alignment pattern;
• reflecting the current alignment pattern along the optical path and onto the reaction cell;
• capturing a current alignment pattern image of the current alignment pattern projected onto the reaction cell;
• calculating the displacement between the initial alignment pattern image and the current alignment pattern image;
• and
• sending a correction signal to at least one actuator to remove the displacement between the initial alignment pattern image and the current alignment pattern image.