Abstract: A connect and disconnect assembly for connecting and disconnecting a laser diode having leads to a printed circuit board (PCB). The assembly includes a heatsink that connects with the printed circuit board by providing cap screws through the PCB which are threadably received in spacers connected to the heatsink. A connection assembly made up of a retainer block and screws connects the laser diode to the heatsink. The laser diode is provided through a cutout portion of the PCB, and connects to the heatsink by providing the screws through the retainer block and the laser diode, the screws being threadably received in the heatsink. A pair of fuzz button carriers are interposed between the laser diode and the PCB. Each fuzz button carrier has a body portion, spaced guide portions extending above the body portion, and fuzz buttons extending through the body portion.

Abstract: Fluorescent stokes shift probes for polynucleotide hybridization assays are designed to provide predetermined nucleotide base unit spacings between the donor and acceptor fluorophores. When the probes are hybridized to the target polynucleotide the fluorophores paired for non-radiative energy transfer are separated by 2 to 7 nucleotide base units. The fluorophores are attached to the DNA or RNA probes by linker arms having lengths of 4 to 30 Angstroms. Fluorescein is a preferred donor for use with a Texas Red acceptor.