Abstract: A method, apparatus for executing the method, and computer program products for use in such an apparatus. The method includes scanning an interrogating light across multiple sites on an array package including an addressable array of multiple features of different moieties, which scanned sites include multiple array features. Signals from respective scanned sites emitted in response to the interrogating light are detected. The interrogating light power is altered for a first site on the array package during the array scan, based on location of the first site or on a determination that the emitted signal from the first site will be outside a predetermined value absent the altering (which allows for protecting a detector against expected overly bright sites), or is altered during the array scan based on the detected interrogating light power (which allows for compensating for light source drift during an array scan).

Abstract: A method of fabricating an addressable array of biopolymer probes on a substrate according to a target array pattern using a deposition apparatus, and a deposition apparatus which can execute the method and computer program products for the apparatus. The deposition apparatus which, when operated according to a target drive pattern based on nominal operating parameters of the apparatus, provides the probes on the substrate in the target array pattern. The method includes examining at least one operating parameter for an error from a nominal value which error will result in use of the target drive pattern producing a discrepancy between the target array pattern and an actual array pattern deposited. When an error is detected deriving, based on the error, a corrected drive pattern different from the target drive pattern such that use of the corrected drive pattern results in a reduced discrepancy between the target and actual array patterns.

Abstract: A maximum sensitivity optical scanning system is disclosed. It finds use in a variety of applications, including the reading of biopolymeric arrays. It operates by scanning sample at a setting selected to result in signal saturation for some, but not all available data. Subsequent scans of the same area are taken at lower sensitivity settings (in terms of detector gain and/or excitation light source gain or attenuation) and data from at least the previously saturated regions is obtained. If system sensitivity is set too low to produce useful results, optional features may adjust sensitivity upward and follow with an increased sensitivity scan as a remedial measure. Full signal sensitivity is better preserved as most needed in taking data for the weakest signals first with the high-level scan. Data for sample producing stronger signals that can better tolerate photobleaching is then taken in one way or another.

Abstract: A drop deposition apparatus, and a method and computer program products using the drop deposition apparatus, for fabricating at least one addressable array of biopolymers on a substrate. The drop deposition apparatus has a drop dispenser unit and a sensing element. The method comprises includes for each of multiple addresses, dispensing droplets carrying the biopolymers or biopolymer precursors from a drop dispenser unit onto the sensing element, and onto the substrate so as to fabricate the array. Electrical signals resulting from dispensed droplets striking the sensing element are detected. A performance characteristic of the deposition apparatus is evaluated based on the detected signals.

Abstract: A maximum sensitivity optical scanning system is disclosed. It finds use in a variety of applications, including the reading of biopolymeric arrays. It operates by scanning sample at a setting selected to result in signal saturation for some, but not all available data. Subsequent scans of the same area are taken at lower sensitivity settings (in terms of detector gain and/or excitation light source gain or attenuation) and data from at least the previously saturated regions is obtained. If system sensitivity is set too low to produce useful results, optional features may adjust sensitivity upward and follow with an increased sensitivity scan as a remedial measure. Full signal sensitivity is better preserved as most needed in taking data for the weakest signals first with the high-level scan. Data for sample producing stronger signals that can better tolerate photobleaching is then taken in one way or another.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an addressable array of biopolymer probes on a substrate according to a target array pattern using a deposition apparatus, and a deposition apparatus which can execute the method and computer program products for the apparatus. The deposition apparatus which, when operated according to a target drive pattern based on nominal operating parameters of the apparatus, provides the probes on the substrate in the target array pattern. The method includes examining at least one operating parameter for an error from a nominal value which error will result in use of the target drive pattern producing a discrepancy between the target array pattern and an actual array pattern deposited. When an error is detected deriving, based on the error, a corrected drive pattern different from the target drive pattern such that use of the corrected drive pattern results in a reduced discrepancy between the target and actual array patterns.

Abstract: A biopolymer array optical scanner system that is configured to accommodate the needs of its working environment, but offer extended life over common scanners as typically used, is provided. The scanner is programmed to allow a user to set times or adopt a schedule by which the scanner will automatically power up and/or power down. The activity of the scanner can be controlled by setting a timer or selecting a given time/event, a custom schedule and/or a preselected schedule to trigger action by a software switch at the appointed time. The switch automatically takes such action as previously directed. The activity may be selected from powering up (turning on or going to standby), powering down (turning off or going to standby) and/or initiating a scan run. Myriad combinations or permutations of activities and their respective timing are possible.

Abstract: A maximum sensitivity optical scanning system is disclosed. It finds use in a variety of applications, including the reading of biopolymeric arrays. It operates by scanning sample at a setting selected to result in signal saturation for some, but not all available data. Subsequent scans of the same area are taken at lower sensitivity settings (in terms of detector gain and/or excitation light source gain or attenuation) and data from at least the previously saturated regions is obtained. If system sensitivity is set too low to produce useful results, optional features may adjust sensitivity upward and follow with an increased sensitivity scan as a remedial measure. Full signal sensitivity is better preserved as most needed in taking data for the weakest signals first with the high-level scan. Data for sample producing stronger signals that can better tolerate photobleaching is then taken in one way or another.

Abstract: A method, apparatus for executing the method, and computer program products for use in such an apparatus. The method includes scanning an interrogating light across multiple sites on an array package including an addressable array of multiple features of different moieties, which scanned sites include multiple array features. Signals from respective scanned sites emitted in response to the interrogating light are detected. The interrogating light power is altered for a first site on the array package during the array scan, based on location of the first site or on a determination that the emitted signal from the first site will be outside a predetermined value absent the altering (which allows for protecting a detector against expected overly bright sites), or is altered during the array scan based on the detected interrogating light power (which allows for compensating for light source drift during an array scan).

Abstract: A method, apparatus for executing the method, and computer program products for use in such an apparatus. The method includes scanning an interrogating light across multiple sites on an array package including an addressable array of multiple features of different moieties, which scanned sites include multiple array features. Signals from respective scanned sites emitted in response to the interrogating light are detected. The interrogating light power is altered for a first site on the array package during the array scan, based on location of the first site or on a determination that the emitted signal from the first site will be outside a predetermined value absent the altering (which allows for protecting a detector against expected overly bright sites), or is altered during the array scan based on the detected interrogating light power (which allows for compensating for light source drift during an array scan).