Abstract: A scanning head assembly is provided, the scanning head suited for use with instruments that characterize the absorption, fluorescence, and/or luminescence properties of one or more samples contained within a sample plate or microplate. The scanning head assembly is coupled to a pair of scanning mechanisms, thereby allowing the head assembly to be raster scanned along both the x- and y-axis. Although the scanning preferably follows a serpentine pattern, other scan patterns can be utilized. Single or multiple measurements can be made per sample well, multiple measurements either being reported individually or averaged together. Although the scanning head assembly can utilize a variety of configurations, in the preferred embodiment the scanning head assembly has a C-shape with the light source and associated optics mounted in the lower arm of the assembly and the detector and associated optics mounted in the upper arm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of analyzing samples contained in a microplate is provided. The instrument is capable of measuring fluorescence, luminescence, and/or absorption within multiple locations within a sample well. The instrument is tunable over the excitation and/or detection wavelengths. Neutral density filters are used to extend the sensitivity range of the absorption measuring aspect of the instrument. Due to the wavelength tuning capabilities of the instrument, the spectral dependence of the measured fluorescence, luminescence, and absorption of the materials in question can be analyzed. The combination of a data processor and a look-up table improve the ease of operation of the instrument. Several different formats are available for the output data including creation of a bit map of the sample.