Abstract: Two-dimensional samples or sample arrays such as electrophoresis gels and microplates, containing fluorescently labeled species, are illuminated by an illumination device that includes a slab of non-autofluorescing or low-autofluorescing material shaped to receive excitation light from one or more edges and to distribute the light to emerge from an upper surface of the slab at a uniform intensity along the length and width of the upper surface.

Abstract: Biochemical assays that are performed in cuvettes and in the wells of multi-well plates and that utilize excitation and light emission as labels for detection are enhanced by an illumination and detection system that supplies excitation light through an optical fiber that transmits excitation light from an excitation light source to the cuvette or well. Emission light produced by the excitation is then collected by a collimating lens and converted to a signal that is compiled by conventional software for analysis. The optical fiber and collimating lens can either be on the same side of the receptacle (generally the open side) or on opposite sides, i.e., one above and the other below.

Abstract: Biochemical assays of samples in receptacles, in gels, in blots, in arrays and the like, and that utilize excitation and light emission as labels for detection are enhanced by an illumination and detection system that supplies excitation light through an optical fiber that transmits excitation light from an excitation light source to the sample. Emission light produced by the excitation is then collected by a lens and converted to a signal that is compiled by conventional software for analysis. The optical fiber transfixes (passes through) the lens via a slot or other opening and is preferably offset from the center of the lens. The optical fiber and collecting lens can either be on the same side of the sample or on opposite sides, i.e., one above and the other below.