Abstract: A microarray scanning system for conducting experiments on a planar substrate includes an apparatus for translating the secured substrate in two axes, the substrate having at least one fiducial mark on the planar substrate as a means for positioning and aligning the substrate for subsequent spot placement, analysis, or comparison procedures. The at least one fiducial mark is deposited at a predetermined position relative to the at least one location of a corresponding microarray of test spots or samples.

Abstract: An imaging system comprises three or more sources for providing excitation radiation of different wavelengths, an objective lens for focusing one or more of the exitation wavelengths onto a sample to produce fluorescent emission, and a mirror, configured as a geometric beamsplitter, disposed in the transmission path of the emission radiation and excitation radiation subsequent to reflection from the sample and collimation by the lens, wherein the mirror is utilized to reflect one of the collimated exitation and emission radiation such that the emission is directed to a detector and the collimated exitation is directed away from the detector.