Coherent micromirror arrays.

A one-dimensional, spatial light phase modulator consists of a coherent array of programmable micromirrors. Each micromirror has rotation as well as elevation control to permit high-fidelity, piecewise linear approximations to a desired spatial phase profile. We demonstrate programmable, coherent spatial modulation by configuring a four-micromirror array to act as a blazed diffraction grating, showing five diffraction orders.

Sterilisation at caesarean section--an audit from a district general hospital.

Rochdale Infirmary serves a population of 210804, and the obstetric unit delivers approximately 1500 babies every year. There were 655 female sterilisation procedures performed here during 1997 - 2001, of which 134 were those performed at the time of caesarean section (20.5%).