Abstract: A chamber is provided having a main body and one or two optical plates that are held to the main body by O-rings or other seal forming elements using forces created by vacuum and/or chemical adhesion. The chamber, in which a sample well holds a specimen, is formed from the optical elements that function as observation windows, being held to the main body from one side only by the seal forming elements.

Abstract: A multichannel system for synchronizing independently driven filter wheels. The system is comprised of a means for controlling operation of the system by providing appropriate instructions. A clock provides timing signals to assure that instructions are executed at the correct time. A device having a programmable memory with the ability to receive and transmit signals is in communication with the clock and the control means. This programmable memory device, in response to a signal from the control means executes a preselected program and transmits a signal in response to an instruction receive from the control means. Two assemblies, each comprised of a programmable motor controller, a motor driver and a motor are attached to an encoder and a filter wheel having a plurality of filters. The assemblies are connected to a power source.