Biopolymer array substrate thickness dependent automated focus-distance determination method for biopolymer array scanners
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system for determining a biopolymer array substrate thickness dependent optimal focus distance for scanning a molecular array by a molecular array scanner are provided. A reference substrate is automatically scanned at successively greater distances of the stage from a light gathering medium, such as an optical fiber, or z-positions, to produce data providing a functional relationship between z-position and measured signal intensities. The data is then processed by an array substrate thickness dependent focus-finding routine that selects an optimal focus-distance for data scans which is optimized for the thickness of the reference substrate. Also provided are methods of determining the thickness of a biopolymer array substrate using a position sensitive device (PSD) component of a biopolymer array scanner. Further methods include determining the thickness of said biopolymeric array and automatically selecting an optimal focus distance using the determined thickness and a calibration function on thickness versus optimal focus distance. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including both genomic and proteomic applications.
20 Citations
57 Claims
-
1-35. -35. (canceled)
- 36. A method comprising, calibrating a biopolymer array optical scanner so that the scanner automatically determines an optimal focus distance based on the thickness of an array substrate to be scanned.
-
51. A biopolymer array scanner comprising:
-
(a) a probe-molecule excitation system;
(b) a photodetection system (c) a biopolymer-array-holding stage that holds a biopolymer array for scanning and that can be moved through a range of positions that place an illuminated region of the surface of the biopolymer array at different distances from the photodetection system; and
(d) an automated array substrate thickness dependent focus-distance-determination subsystem. - View Dependent Claims (52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57)
-
Specification