Abstract: Devices and methods for performing an array assay are provided. Embodiments of the subject array assay devices include (1) a base, (2) a cover, and (3) a clamping member for holding the cover to the base, wherein when the cover is operatively held to the base about a structure that includes an array assembly spaced-apart from a backing element, the array assembly and the backing element are deflected to substantially the same curvature. Embodiments of the subject methods include contacting a sample with a backing element and placing the backing element supported sample in contact with an array assembly to form a structure that includes the backing element and array assembly. The structure is then held together using a subject array assay device and the array substrate and the backing element are deflected to substantially the same curvature.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing an array assay are provided. Embodiments of the subject array assay devices include (1) a base, (2) a cover, and (3) a clamping member for holding the cover to the base, wherein when the cover is operatively held to the base about a structure that includes an array assembly spaced-apart from a backing element, the array assembly and the backing element are deflected to substantially the same curvature. Embodiments of the subject methods include contacting a sample with a backing element and placing the backing element supported sample in contact with an array assembly to form a structure that includes the backing element and array assembly. The structure is then held together using a subject array assay device and the array substrate and the backing element are deflected to substantially the same curvature.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for reading fluorescence signals from an array of chemical moieties (such as different sequence peptides or polynucleotides, for example different DNA sequences). In the method the spatial sequence of scanned locations need not be the same as the temporal sequence. For example, a later illuminated line may be spatially closer to an earlier illuminated line than is a temporally intervening illuminated line.

Abstract: A clam shell slide holder for mounting and retaining a slide. The clamshell slide holder includes a single contiguous base and a lid attached to the base. The base of the clamshell slide holder includes a first slide holder, second slide holder adjacent to the first slide holder, a third slide holder, and a fourth slide holder adjacent to the third slide holder. The lid includes at least one spring finger for contacting the slide. Also disclosed is a method of reading and mounting a slide in a clamshell slide holder.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for reading fluorescence signals from an array of chemical moieties (such as different sequence peptides or polynucleotides, for example different DNA sequences). In the method the spatial sequence of scanned locations need not be the same as the temporal sequence. For example, a later illuminated line may be spatially closer to an earlier illuminated line than is a temporally intervening illuminated line.

Abstract: A laser generates a collimated laser beam which passes through a lens off-axis. The beam is focused at a focal plane on a substrate surface. A first position sensitive detector receives the laser beam reflected from the substrate surface through the lens to generate a first signal proportional to lateral beam offset. A beam splitter may be provided to direct a portion of the laser beam before passing through the lens toward a second position sensitive detector to generate a second signal proportional to laser beam pointing instability. Apparatus computes the difference between the first and second signals, the difference being a defocused error signal. It is preferred that the first position sensitive detector be located at a distance from the lens that is at least twice the lens focal length.

Abstract: A laser generates a collimated laser beam which passes through a lens off-axis. The beam is focused at a focal plane on a substrate surface. A first position sensitive detector receives the laser beam reflected from the substrate surface through the lens to generate a first signal proportional to lateral beam offset. A beam splitter may be provided to direct a portion of the laser beam before passing through the lens toward a second position sensitive detector to generate a second signal proportional to laser beam pointing instability. Apparatus computes the difference between the first and second signals, the difference being a defocused error signal. It is preferred that the first position sensitive detector be located at a distance from the lens that is at least twice the lens focal length.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for reading fluorescence signals from an array of chemical moieties (such as different sequence peptides or polynucleotides, for example different DNA sequences). In the method the spatial sequence of scanned locations need not be the same as the temporal sequence. For example, a later illuminated line may be spatially closer to an earlier illuminated line than is a temporally intervening illuminated line.