Abstract:
An optical fiber switch (16) for alternatively redirecting an input beam (14) comprises a redirector (18) and a redirector mover (20). The redirector (18) redirects the input beam (14) so that a redirected beam (46) alternatively launches from the redirector (18) (i) along a first redirected axis (354) that is spaced apart from a directed axis (344A) when the redirector (18) is positioned at a first position (348), and (ii) along a second redirected axis (356) that is spaced apart from the directed axis (344A) when the redirector (18) is positioned at a second position (350) that is different from the first position (348). The redirector mover (20) moves the redirector (18) about a movement axis (366) between the first position (348) and the second position (350).
Abstract:
A device for amplifying a nucleic acid sample may include a sample holder configured to receive a nucleic acid sample, a heating system configured to raise the temperature of the sample, a cooling system configured to lower the temperature of the sample, and a controller configured to operably control the heating system and the cooling system to cycle the device through a desired time-temperature profile. The cooling system may include at least one heat pipe and a heat sink and the at least one heat pipe may include a first portion disposed proximate to the sample holder and a second portion disposed proximate to the heat sink.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for multiple analyte detection include a system for distribution of a biological sample that includes a substrate, wherein the substrate includes a plurality of sample chambers, a sample introduction channel for each sample chamber, and a venting channel for each sample chamber. The system may further include a preloaded reagent contained in each sample chamber and configured for nucleic acid analysis of a biological sample that enters the substrate and a sealing instrument configured to be placed in contact with the substrate to seal each sample chamber so as to substantially prevent sample contained in each sample chamber from flowing out of each sample chamber. The substrate can be constructed of detection-compatible and assay-compatible materials.
Abstract:
An optical fiber switch (16) for alternatively redirecting an input beam (14) comprises a redirector (18) and a redirector mover (20). The redirector (18) redirects the input beam (14) so that a redirected beam (46) alternatively launches from the redirector (18) (i) along a first redirected axis (354) that is spaced apart from a directed axis (344A) when the redirector (18) is positioned at a first position (348), and (ii) along a second redirected axis (356) that is spaced apart from the directed axis (344A) when the redirector (18) is positioned at a second position (350) that is different from the first position (348). The redirector mover (20) moves the redirector (18) about a movement axis (366) between the first position (348) and the second position (350).
Abstract:
Systems and methods for multiple analyte detection include a system for distribution of a biological sample that includes a substrate, wherein the substrate includes a plurality of sample chambers, a sample introduction channel for each sample chamber, and a venting channel for each sample chamber. The system may further include a preloaded reagent contained in each sample chamber and configured for nucleic acid analysis of a biological sample that enters the substrate and a sealing instrument configured to be placed in contact with the substrate to seal each sample chamber so as to substantially prevent sample contained in each sample chamber from flowing out of each sample chamber. The substrate can be constructed of detection-compatible and assay-compatible materials.
Abstract:
A device for performing biological analysis may include at least one reaction chamber configured to receive at least one sample for biological analysis and a thermal system configured to modulate a temperature of the at least one reaction chamber to cycle a temperature of the at least one biological sample. The thermal system may include a cooling system configured to cool the at least one reaction chamber. The cooling system may include a cooling fluid source positioned distally from the at least one reaction chamber, the cooling fluid source being in flow communication with at least one conduit configured to flow cooling fluid from the cooling fluid source to at least one location in thermal communication with the at least one reaction chamber.
Abstract:
An optical pathway selector is provided having a first direction selector, a second direction selector, and an actuator. The first direction selector is comprised of a substantially planar member having alternating reflecting and transparent portions. The first direction selector is disposed for rotation on an axle with the substantially planar member positioned askew to a first optical axis. The second direction selector has a configuration similar to that of the first direction selector and is disposed along the axle substantially parallel to the first direction selector. Additional direction selectors can be employed in a similar manner. A motor is connected to the axle for rotating the direction selectors. Alternatively, a motor moves the direction selector along a linear pathway in and out of the pathway of different light beams. The optical pathway selector is used to reflect a beam of light from the first optical axis to alternative optical axes or vice-versa. A retroreflector may be utilized in conjunction with the optical pathway selector to eliminate error due to non-planar surfaces or motion. The optical pathway selector may be used in epifluorescence imaging systems.
Abstract:
A scanning microscope. An objective lens receives light emitted from a sample in object space and propagates it to image space thereof. A collection lens receives light from the objective lens and propagates it to a focal point in image space of the collection lens. A motor has an axis of rotation that is offset from and extends in substantially the same direction as the optical axis. The motor rotates the objective lens about the axis of rotation to scan across a sample in object space of said objective lens. The sample is mounted on a stage. After each rotation of the objective lens, the stage is advanced in a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation so that each subsequent scan covers a new part of the sample. For fluorescence microscopy, a laser light source is provided. A wavelength-selective beamsplitter directs the laser light toward the objective lens, while allowing fluorescence or reflected light emitted from the sample to pass through to the collection lens. A photo detector is placed at the image space focal point of the collection lens so as to convert the intensity of the light emitted from the sample at the focal point of the objective lens in object space to an electrical signal. To achieve high resolution, a light-path-altering optical element is inserted between the light source and the objective lens so as to translate the light centered on the axis of rotation to light centered on the optical axis of the objective lens, thereby filling the entrance pupil of the objective lens.
Abstract:
A device for amplifying a nucleic acid sample may include a sample holder configured to receive a nucleic acid sample, a heating system configured to raise the temperature of the sample, a cooling system configured to lower the temperature of the sample, and a controller configured to operably control the heating system and the cooling system to cycle the device through a desired time-temperature profile. The cooling system may include at least one heat pipe and a heat sink and the at least one heat pipe may include a first portion disposed proximate to the sample holder and a second portion disposed proximate to the heat sink.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for multiple analyte detection include a system for distribution of a biological sample that includes a substrate, wherein the substrate includes a plurality of sample chambers, a sample introduction channel for each sample chamber, and a venting channel for each sample chamber. The system may further include a preloaded reagent contained in each sample chamber and configured for nucleic acid analysis of a biological sample that enters the substrate and a sealing instrument configured to be placed in contact with the substrate to seal each sample chamber so as to substantially prevent sample contained in each sample chamber from flowing out of each sample chamber. The substrate can be constructed of detection-compatible and assay-compatible materials.