Abstract: An illumination system includes a surface configured to have an imaging target placed thereon, a light source, a beam splitter and at least a first mirror. The beam splitter is configured to split the beam of light from the light source and the first mirror is configured to reflect a first beam from the beam splitter onto the surface with the imaging target. An imaging system includes an imaging surface configured to have an imaging target placed thereon, a mirror, and a capturing device. The capturing device is configured to capture an image of the imaging target through a path of emitted light that extends from the imaging target, reflects off of the mirror, and to the capturing device. The mirror, the capturing device, or both are configured to move in a diagonal direction with respect to the imaging surface to reduce a length of the path of emitted light. Systems and methods to calibrate an imaging system to remove or reduce non-uniformities within images of samples due to imaging system properties.

Abstract: An illumination system includes a surface configured to have an imaging target placed thereon, a light source, a beam splitter and at least a first mirror. The beam splitter is configured to split the beam of light from the light source and the first mirror is configured to reflect a first beam from the beam splitter onto the surface with the imaging target. An imaging system includes an imaging surface configured to have an imaging target placed thereon, a mirror, and a capturing device. The capturing device is configured to capture an image of the imaging target through a path of emitted light that extends from the imaging target, reflects off of the mirror, and to the capturing device. The mirror, the capturing device, or both are configured to move in a diagonal direction with respect to the imaging surface to reduce a length of the path of emitted light. Systems and methods to calibrate an imaging system to remove or reduce non-uniformities within images of samples due to imaging system properties.

Abstract: A method to maximize use of the field of view for an imaging system is provided herein. An imaging device can be part of the imaging system and include a detection unit and an alignment unit. The method includes capturing an initial image of an object and then calculating a rotational angle and zoom factor for the object in order to maximize the object's footprint within the field of view. Once the calculations are complete a computer can instruct the detection and alignment units to reconfigure their orientations relative to the object.

Abstract: An illumination system includes a surface configured to have an imaging target placed thereon, a light source, a beam splitter and at least a first mirror. The beam splitter is configured to split the beam of light from the light source and the first mirror is configured to reflect a first beam from the beam splitter onto the surface with the imaging target. An imaging system includes an imaging surface configured to have an imaging target placed thereon, a mirror, and a capturing device. The capturing device is configured to capture an image of the imaging target through a path of emitted light that extends from the imaging target, reflects off the mirror, and to the capturing device. The mirror, the capturing device, or both are configured to move in a diagonal direction with respect to the imaging surface to reduce a length of the path of emitted light. Systems and methods to calibrate an imaging system to remove or reduce non-uniformities within images of samples due to imaging system properties.

Abstract: A method to maximize use of the field of view for an imaging system is provided herein. An imaging device can be part of the imaging system and include a detection unit and an alignment unit. The method includes capturing an initial image of an object and then calculating a rotational angle and zoom factor for the object in order to maximize the object's footprint within the field of view. Once the calculations are complete a computer can instruct the detection and alignment units to reconfigure their orientations relative to the object.

Abstract: A method to maximize use of the field of view for an imaging system is provided herein. An imaging device can be part of the imaging system and include a detection unit and an alignment unit. The method includes capturing an initial image of an object and then calculating a rotational angle and zoom factor for the object in order to maximize the object's footprint within the field of view. Once the calculations are complete a computer can instruct the detection and alignment units to reconfigure their orientations relative to the object.

Abstract: A thermal cycler is provided. The thermal cycler comprises a tray assembly. The tray assembly comprises a main body made of a first material having a first thermal conductivity. The tray assembly further comprises an adaptor made of a second material having a thermal conductivity that is greater than the thermal conductivity of the first material. The thermal cycler also includes a control block configured to control the temperature of the one or more nucleotide samples. The thermal cycler further includes a thermal cover sized and positioned to at least partially cover the plurality of vessels. The thermal cycler further includes a sample block including one or more depressions configured to receive a plurality of vessels containing one or more nucleotide samples.

Abstract: A biological analysis system is provided. The system comprises a sample block assembly. The sample block assembly comprises a sample block configured to accommodate a sample holder, the sample holder configured to receive a plurality of samples. The system also comprises a control system configured to cycle the plurality of samples through a series of temperatures. The system further comprises an automated tray comprising a slide assembly, the tray configured to reversibly slide the sample block assembly from a closed to an open position to allow user access to the plurality of sample holders.

Abstract: An illumination system includes a surface configured to have an imaging target placed thereon, a light source, a beam splitter and at least a first mirror. The beam splitter is configured to split the beam of light from the light source and the first mirror is configured to reflect a first beam from the beam splitter onto the surface with the imaging target. An imaging system includes an imaging surface configured to have an imaging target placed thereon, a mirror, and a capturing device. The capturing device is configured to capture an image of the imaging target through a path of emitted light that extends from the imaging target, reflects off the mirror, and to the capturing device. The mirror, the capturing device, or both are configured to move in a diagonal direction with respect to the imaging surface to reduce a length of the path of emitted light. Systems and methods to calibrate an imaging system to remove or reduce non-uniformities within images of samples due to imaging system properties.

Abstract: A method to maximize use of the field of view for an imaging system is provided herein. An imaging device can be part of the imaging system and include a detection unit and an alignment unit. The method includes capturing an initial image of an object and then calculating a rotational angle and zoom factor for the object in order to maximize the object's footprint within the field of view. Once the calculations are complete a computer can instruct the detection and alignment units to reconfigure their orientations relative to the object.

Abstract: An illumination system includes a surface configured to have an imaging target placed thereon, a light source, a beam splitter and at least a first mirror. The beam splitter is configured to split the beam of light from the light source and the first mirror is configured to reflect a first beam from the beam splitter onto the surface with the imaging target. An imaging system includes an imaging surface configured to have an imaging target placed thereon, a mirror, and a capturing device. The capturing device is configured to capture an image of the imaging target through a path of emitted light that extends from the imaging target, reflects off of the mirror, and to the capturing device. The mirror, the capturing device, or both are configured to move in a diagonal direction with respect to the imaging surface to reduce a length of the path of emitted light. Systems and methods to calibrate an imaging system to remove or reduce non-uniformities within images of samples due to imaging system properties.

Abstract: An instrument for biological analysis includes a base, an excitation source, an optical sensor, an excitation optical system, and an emission optical system. The base is configured to receive a sample holder comprising a plurality of biological samples. The optical sensor is configured to receive emissions from the biological samples in response to the excitation source. The instrument may additionally include a sensor lens enclosed by a lens case and a focusing mechanism including a gear that engages the lens case, the focusing mechanism being accessible outside the enclosure for adjusting a focus. The may instrument further include a sensor aperture dispose along an emission optical path and a blocking structure disposed to cooperate with the sensor aperture such that none of the reflected radiation from an illuminated surface near the sample holder is received by the optical sensor that does not also reflect off another surface of the instrument.