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Multi-channel optical detection system

  • US 20020109844A1
  • Filed: 04/08/2002
  • Published: 08/15/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/02/1998
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for thermally controlling and optically interrogating a reaction mixture, the apparatus comprising:

  • a) a reaction vessel having a chamber for holding the mixture, wherein the vessel includes first and second optically transmissive walls;

    b) opposing plates positioned to receive the vessel between them;

    c) at least one heating element coupled to at least one of the plates for heating the reaction mixture; and

    d) first and second optics assemblies positioned such that when the vessel is placed between the plates, the first and second optics assemblies are in optical communication with the first and second optically transmissive walls, respectively;

    the first optics assembly comprising;

    i) a first housing having a first optical window;

    ii) at least two light sources for transmitting excitation beams to the reaction mixture through the first window; and

    iii) a first set of filters for filtering the excitation beams such that each of the beams transmitted to the reaction mixture has a substantially distinct excitation wavelength range, wherein the light sources and the first set of filters are rigidly fixed in the first housing;

    and the second optics assembly comprising;

    i) a second housing having a second optical window for receiving light emitted from the chamber;

    ii) at least two detectors for detecting the emitted light; and

    iii) a second set of filters for separating the emitted light into at least two emission wavelength ranges and for directing the emitted light in each of the emission wavelength ranges to a respective one of the detectors, wherein the detectors and the second set of filters are rigidly fixed in the second housing.

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