An image locking system for DNA micro-array synthesis provides a feedback
system to stabilize or lock the image with respect to an image capture
device, such as a camera and/or microscope. The image locking system
includes the use of detection or reference marks. When a shift in image
position is detected, a correction signal is sent to one of two mirrors,
moving the image to correct for the shift in image position. The system
comprises a first light beam directed towards a micromirror device that
forms an alignment pattern on a reaction cell and a second light beam
directed towards the micromirror device that forms a micro-array image on
an active surface of the reaction cell. A camera captures the alignment
pattern and an alignment mark. A computer calculates a correction signal
to realign the alignment pattern with the alignment mark when movement is
detected.