Abstract: Devices and methods for transmitting light through an aperture in a surface substantially without leakage. In one embodiment, the device comprises an optical relay structure having an end configured to transmit light, and an opaque collar positioned around the end and configured to reorient to conform to the surface when the end and the aperture are aligned. In another embodiment, the device comprises an optical relay structure having an end configured to transmit light, and an opaque collar positioned around the end and spring-biased relative to the end, so that the opaque collar is forced against the surface when the end and the aperture are aligned. The devices further may include a stop mechanism for limiting movement of the opaque collar, a registration mechanism for aligning the end and the aperture, and a light source and/or a detector for generating or detecting light, among others.

Abstract: A moveable control unit for a high-throughput analyzer that can be operatively mounted at a plurality of locations on the analyzer housing.

Abstract: A method and device for forming large arrays of polymers on a substrate (401). According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the substrate is contacted by a channel block (407) having channels (409) therein. Selected reagents are delivered through the channels, the substrate is rotated by a rotating stage (403), and the process is repeated to form arrays of polymers on the substrate. The method may be combined with light-directed methodolgies.