Floating-point texture filtering units leverage existing fixed-point filter circuits. The laser of claim 1 wherein said chip may be tuned over a range of frequencies even in the absence of an anti-reflective coating. In a first mode the movable plate stays in mechanical contact with the substrate whereas in a second mode an air cushion is generated in a chamber between the movable plate and the substrate for pressurizing the substrate onto the polishing pad. 3 are distributed along a horizontal axis of the takeup unit 16, with a driven guide roll 12 and a yarn guide 15. The transfer arrangement comprises at least one catch unit.