The !array Command: Manipulate Instance Arrays

Syntax: $\parbox{5in}{ {\tt !array -u}\\ {\tt !array -d} [{\it nx1\/}[--{\... ...$]= {\it val\/}] [{\tt dx} [$+$]= {\it val\/}] [{\tt dy} [$+$]= {\it val\/}] }$

This command manipulates instance arrays. There are three forms:

!array -u
This will ``unarray'' all selected arrays. The arrays are converted to individual instance placements, in the same location and orientation as the original array elements.

!array -d [nx1[-nx2] , [ny1[-ny2]]
This form will delete a rectangular region of array elements. The undeleted elements will be configured into a new collection of arrays or single instance placements.

The command operates on a selected instance array, the most recently selected if there is more than one.

If no arguments follow the option character, the user is asked to click on or drag over the array, to define two points. The two points are transformed back into the coordinate system of the instance master, and define a rectangular region in the array indices in that space. The elements corresponding to this rectangle are deleted, and new arrays or separate instances are created to replace the undeleted elements.

Otherwise, the range of x and y indices to delete is given on the command line. These indices are non-negative 0-based, and the x and y ranges are separated by a comma. A range can be a single number, or two numbers separated by `-'. If a single number, the range is taken as that number only.

In the untransformed array, the 0,0 location is the lower-left corner.

Example:
Suppose that a 3x3 array is selected.
Erase the middle element: !array -d 1,1
Erase the rightmost column: !array -d 2,0-2

!array -r [nx [+ ]= val] [ny [+ ]= val] [dx [+ ]= val] [dy [+ ]= val]
This will reconfigure the array parameters of the first selected instance. It can convert instances into arrays and vice-versa.

All of the parameter groups are optional, but at least one group should be given or the operation does nothing. Each is in the form keyword [+ ]= value. It a `+ ' appears ahead of the `=', the value will be added to the existing value, otherwise the value is assigned. White space around `=' or `+ =' is optional. The nx and ny are the number of columns and rows in the untransformed array. These integer values must be one or larger. The dx and dy are the array cell spacing in the untransformed x and y directions, given in microns.

Examples:
Add a column to the selected array: !array -r nx+=1
Add 1.5um additional space between elements: !array -r dx+=1.5 dy+=1.5