Abstract: A thermal cycling device comprising a casing defining an air inlet and an air outlet, and a heater for heating air within the casing. A sample is located within the casing, and a selectively positionable member within the casing may be moved so as to either direct cool air from the inlet or warmed air over the sample. In this way, a sample may be repeatedly heated and cooled primarily using air movements. The heater is separated from the cool air flow, such that the heater may be maintained at a constant temperature. This avoids the need to heat or cool the heater, while the mixing of warm and cool air allows for relatively rapid cycling.

Abstract: A reaction vessel for use in thermal cycling reactions is disclosed. The vessel has a width greater than its depth, to give the vessel a flattened profile. The side walls of the vessel extending across the width of the vessel are generally flat, and have a lesser thickness than the side walls extending across the depth of the vessel, This conformation allows rapid heat transfer into the vessel during thermal cycling, while the flattened profile allows optical detection techniques to be used on the contents of the vessel. The tubes may be provided singly or in an array or multiwell formal. Also described is a carousel for holding the tubes for use in a thermal cycler.