Abstract: The motion of a mechanical stage may be directed in x-, y-, and/or z-dimensions such that excitation of a resonant frequency f is reduced. In particular, once a resonant frequency f is identified, the acceleration of the stage in the x-, y-, and/or z-dimensions may divided into an even number of acceleration segments or intervals, with the second of each pair of acceleration segments starting 1/(2f) seconds after the start of the initial acceleration segment. The acceleration intervals may be defined by a start time, an amplitude profile, and/or a time duration. In some implementations, the amplitude and time duration of each acceleration pulse may be different. The amplitude and time duration of acceleration steps may be determined and adjusted to compensate for the particular resonance frequency of an individual system, and programmed into a controller for the stage using motor programming controls.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a flow cell, an imaging assembly, and a processor. The flow cell includes a channel and a plurality of reaction sites. The imaging assembly is operable to receive light emitted from the reaction sites in response to an excitation light. The processor is configured to drive relative movement between at least a portion of the imaging assembly and the flow cell along a continuous range of motion to thereby enable the imaging assembly to capture images along the length of the channel. The processor is also configured to activate the imaging assembly to capture one or more calibration images of one or more calibration regions of the channel, during a first portion of the continuous range of motion. The processor is also configured to activate the imaging assembly to capture images of the reaction sites during a second portion of the continuous range of motion.

Abstract: Some implementations of the disclosure relate to an imaging system including one or more image sensors and a Z-stage. The imaging system is configured to perform operations including: capturing, using the one or more image sensors, a first image of a first pair of spots projected at a first sample location of a sample; determining whether or not the first image of the first pair of spots is valid; and when the first image is determined to be valid: obtaining, based on the first image, a current separation distance measurement of the first pair of spots; and controlling, based at least on the current separation distance measurement, the Z-stage to focus the imaging system at the first sample location.