Abstract: A method of analyzing a plurality of biological sample volumes comprises emitting, along an excitation optical path toward a sample holder holding the plurality of biological sample volumes, electromagnetic radiation from a broadband LED, wherein the broadband LED emits the electromagnetic radiation across a range of wavelengths at a total output power of at least 5 watts and at a maximum intensity at a wavelength less than 600 nanometers and at an intensity less than 30 percent of the maximum intensity at a wavelength of 650 or 670 nanometers, and receiving, by a sensor, an electromagnetic emission transmitted from the sample holder along an emission optical path.

Abstract: An instrument for processing and/or measuring a biological process comprises a sample processing system and an excitation source exhibiting a spectral function of output power or intensity verses wavelength of output power or intensity. The spectral function has a minima wavelength corresponding to a local minima value of the output power or intensity; a first maxima wavelength corresponding to a first local maxima of output power or intensity, the output power or intensity at the first local maxima being greater than the output power or intensity at any wavelength less than the minima wavelength; a second maxima wavelength corresponding to a second local maxima of output power or intensity, the output power or intensity at the second local maxima being greater than the output at any wavelength greater than the minima wavelength; the minima wavelength is between the first maxima wavelength and the second maxima wavelength.

Abstract: An instrument for processing and/or measuring a biological process comprises a plurality of filter assemblies configured to be interchangeably located along at least one of the optical paths. The plurality of filter components includes a first filter assembly characterized by a first optical power and a first filter having a first filter function, the first filter function characterized by at least one of a first low-pass wavelength or a first high-pass wavelength. The second filter assembly is characterized by a second optical power and a second filter having a second filter function, the second filter function comprising at least one of a second low-pass wavelength that is different than the first low-pass wavelength or a second high-pass wavelength that is different than the first high-pass wavelength.

Abstract: An instrument for processing and/or measuring a biological process contains a sample processing system, an excitation source, an excitation optical system, an optical sensor, and an emission optical system. The sample processing system is configured to retain a first sample holder and a second sample holder, wherein the number of sample cells is different for each sample holder or a characteristic dimension for the first sample cells is different from that of the second sample holder. The instrument also includes an excitation source temperature controller comprising a temperature sensor that is coupled to the excitation source. The temperature controller is configured to produce a first target temperature when the first sample holder is retained by the instrument and to produce a second target temperature when the second sample holder is retained by the instrument.

Abstract: An instrument for processing and/or measuring a biological process contains a sample processing system, an excitation source, an excitation optical system, an optical sensor, and an emission optical system. The sample processing system is configured to retain a first sample holder and a second sample holder, wherein the number of sample cells is different for each sample holder or a characteristic dimension for the first sample cells is different from that of the second sample holder. The instrument also includes an excitation source temperature controller comprising a temperature sensor that is coupled to the excitation source. The temperature controller is configured to produce a first target temperature when the first sample holder is retained by the instrument and to produce a second target temperature when the second sample holder is retained by the instrument.

Abstract: An instrument for processing and/or measuring a biological process contains a sample processing system, an excitation source, an excitation optical system, an optical sensor, and an emission optical system. The sample processing system is configured to retain a first sample holder and a second sample holder, wherein the number of sample cells is different for each sample holder or a characteristic dimension for the first sample cells is different from that of the second sample holder. The instrument also includes an excitation source temperature controller comprising a temperature sensor that is coupled to the excitation source. The temperature controller is configured to produce a first target temperature when the first sample holder is retained by the instrument and to produce a second target temperature when the second sample holder is retained by the instrument.

Abstract: An instrument for processing and/or measuring a biological process contains an excitation source, a sample holder, an optical sensor, an excitation optical system, and an emission optical system. The sample holder is configured to receive a plurality of biological samples. The optical sensor is configured to receive an emission from the biological samples. The excitation optical system is disposed along an excitation optical path and is configured to direct the electromagnetic radiation from the excitation source to the biological samples. The emission optical system is disposed along an emission optical path and is configured to direct electromagnetic emissions from the biological samples to the optical sensor. The instrument further contains a plurality of filter assemblies configured to be interchangeably located along at least one of the optical paths.

Abstract: An instrument for processing and/or measuring a biological process contains an excitation source, a sample holder, an optical sensor, an excitation optical system, and an emission optical system. The sample holder is configured to receive a plurality of biological samples. The optical sensor is configured to receive an emission from the biological samples. The excitation optical system is disposed along an excitation optical path and is configured to direct the electromagnetic radiation from the excitation source to the biological samples. The emission optical system is disposed along an emission optical path and is configured to direct electromagnetic emissions from the biological samples to the optical sensor. The instrument further contains a plurality of filter assemblies configured to be interchangeably located along at least one of the optical paths.

Abstract: An instrument for processing and/or measuring a biological process contains a sample processing system, an excitation source, an excitation optical system, an optical sensor, and an emission optical system. The sample processing system is configured to retain a first sample holder and a second sample holder, wherein the number of sample cells is different for each sample holder or a characteristic dimension for the first sample cells is different from that of the second sample holder. The instrument also includes an excitation source temperature controller comprising a temperature sensor that is coupled to the excitation source. The temperature controller is configured to produce a first target temperature when the first sample holder is retained by the instrument and to produce a second target temperature when the second sample holder is retained by the instrument.