Abstract: Systems and methods are described for producing an amplitude-modulated laser pulse train. The laser pulse train can be used to cause fluorescence in materials at which the pulse trains are directed. The parameters of the laser pulse train are selected to increase fluorescence relative to a constant-amplitude laser pulse train. The amplitude-modulated laser pulse trains produced using the teachings of this invention can be used to enable detection of specific molecules in applications such as gene or protein sequencing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aspects of an optical pulse stretcher for temporally stretching a short duration pulsed light signal to reduce its peak power, thus reducing the risk of causing damage to components that receives the pulsed light signal. Some embodiments are directed to a molecule sequencing system, in which photochemical damage caused by laser pulses having high peak power may be mitigated by the optical pulse stretcher. In one embodiment, the optical pulse stretcher comprises a polarizing beam splitter, a quarter-wave plate and a single etalon disposed in series. In another embodiments, an optical pulse stretcher splits a pulsed light signal along multiple delay lines before combining the split signals together to form a stretched light signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods relating to attenuating excitation radiation incident on a sensor in an integrated device that is used for sample analysis are described. At least one semiconductor film of a selected material and crystal morphology is located between a waveguide and a sensor in an integrated device that is formed on a substrate. Rejection ratios greater than 100 or more can be obtained for excitation and emission wavelengths that are 40 nm apart for a single layer of semiconductor material.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for producing an amplitude-modulated laser pulse train. The laser pulse train can be used to cause fluorescence in materials at which the pulse trains are directed. The parameters of the laser pulse train are selected to increase fluorescence relative to a constant-amplitude laser pulse train. The amplitude-modulated laser pulse trains produced using the teachings of this invention can be used to enable detection of specific molecules in applications such as gene or protein sequencing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aspects of a pulsed laser light source for producing excitation light in an integrated bioanalytical system. In some embodiments, the light source comprises one or more laser diodes that produces pulsed light signals synchronized with a common clock source for excitation of samples within reaction chambers on at least one chip. The light source may be used to provide excitation for a system with a large sensor array with reduced cost, size and electrical power requirements.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods relating to attenuating excitation radiation incident on a sensor in an integrated device that is used for sample analysis are described. At least one semiconductor film of a selected material and crystal morphology is located between a waveguide and a sensor in an integrated device that is formed on a substrate. Rejection ratios greater than 100 or more can be obtained for excitation and emission wavelengths that are 40 nm apart for a single layer of semiconductor material.