Abstract: A confocal optical system includes a light source and a spinning polarizer disposed in the optical pathway such the light emitted from the light source passes through the spinning polarizer. A first objective lens is disposed in the optical pathway to allow passage of light that passes through the spinning polarizer. A microlens array member is disposed adjacent the first objective lens to receive light. The microlens array member includes a plate having a plurality of holes arranged in an array pattern. A second objective lens is disposed in the optical pathway to receive and allow passage of light to a sample. The optical pathway is arranged such that, after reaching the sample, the light is directed back through the second objective lens, the microlens or microlens with filter array, and the first objective lens and a fluorescent filter cube as an emission beam to reach at least one camera which provides an image of the sample.

Abstract: A uniform illumination lighting module is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the uniform illumination lighting module comprises a first optical medium, a lower reflective surface disposed adjacent to a bottom boundary of the first optical medium, a concave reflective surface disposed adjacent to a side boundary of the first optical medium, and a light source, wherein at least a portion of the first optical medium is disposed between the light source and the concave reflective surface. In some embodiments, the uniform illumination lighting module further comprises a second optical medium disposed adjacent to a top boundary of the first optical medium. In preferred embodiments, the concave reflective surface is substantially parabolic and the light source is disposed at a parabolic focus of the concave reflective surface.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to analytical instruments for measuring one or more properties of specimens or samples to be analyzed and, more particularly, to an analytical instrument with an adjustable optical path length. An analytical instrument may include a specimen support upon which a specimen may rest and a compression plate for controllably adjusting an optical path length of the specimen between the specimen support and the compression plate. In particular, a specimen may contact both the specimen support and the compression plate such that controlling a distance of the compression plate with respect to the specimen support effectively controls the optical path length of the specimen. An analytical instrument may include collimating lenses to collimate electromagnetic energy for transmission through a specimen and converging lenses for directing electromagnetic energy transmitted through the specimen into one or more sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking an accurate photometric measurement of a liquid by way of forming a specimen volume of a controlled optical path length for use with photometric measurement equipment is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a transparent body configured for displacing a volume of a fluid and at least one support element wherein the support element is configured to maintain the transparent body at a location such that specimen fluid may enter a void volume to form a specimen volume of a controlled optical path length. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a plurality of transparent bodies interconnected by a web such that the transparent bodies are maintained at a spacing arrangement which allows for them to be inserted into the wells of a microplate in order to create a plurality of specimen volumes of a controlled optical path length.