Abstract: A cuvette system may comprise a disposable cuvette element for holding a sample for analysis, with the cuvette element comprising an elongated strip having opposite faces and a well for receiving the sample to be analyzed. The well may be formed on the strip to hold a sample on the strip, and a hole may form at least a portion of the well and may extend through the strip. The well may be configured to hold a defined volume of the sample to be held therein. The system may comprise a reusable holder for removably receiving the cuvette element, with the holder having a substantially hollow interior for receiving at least a portion of the cuvette element. The holder may have a perimeter wall including a front wall and a rear wall of the holder, and a window may be formed in each of the front and rear walls and may be generally positioned in alignment with each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

Abstract: A cuvette for use with light scattering detectors is disclosed. A trough or moat within the cuvette can be filled with solvent which is not in fluid contact with the sample to be measured. This solvent moat creates saturated vapor pressure in the chamber preventing evaporation from the sample when the cuvette is capped. The cuvette itself may be made of an inexpensive polymer which can be polished to high optical quality while still being moldable in complex forms capable of enabling further utility, such as extra griping surfaces, identification tabs allowing the detection instrument to determine the cuvette model, and various sample chamber forms. The novel cuvette may have extremely small sample volumes, while allowing significant overfill of the measurement chamber, improving ease of sample loading. The polymers used may be relatively inexpensive, and therefore the cuvette can generally be discarded after a single use.

Abstract: A centrifugal analysis system includes a driving device, a carrying device, a number of cassettes, and an optical sensor device. The carrying device includes a tray disposed on the driving device, a number of limitation mechanisms disposed at the tray. The cassettes are detachably disposed at the tray and respectively and correspond to the limitation mechanisms. When the driving device drives the carrying device to rotate, the optical sensor circularly detects the cassettes in sequence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for propagating a laser beam. The laser beam pulse is passed through a first lens which focuses the laser beam pulse at a focal point of the first lens. An electronegative gas at substantially atmospheric pressure is configured to surround the focal point in order to suppress an ionization effect by the laser beam pulse at the focal point.

Abstract: Disclosed are a laser radar system and a method for acquiring an image of a target, and the laser radar system includes: a beam source to emit the laser beam; a beam deflector disposed between the beam source and the target, and configured to deflect the laser beam emitted from the beam source in a scanning direction of the target as time elapses; and an optical detector configured to detect the laser beam reflected from the target, which is provided a plurality of beam spots having a diameter DRBS; and a receiving optical system disposed between the target and the optical detector and configured to converge the laser beam reflected from the target, and the optical detector includes a detecting area having a diameter DDA that satisfies an equation of ?{square root over (2)}×PRBS+2×DRBS?DDA?2×Dlens and an equation of (4/?)×?×F_number<DRBS<Dlens.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a guiding element for guiding gas flow within a chamber. The guiding element includes a structure, one or more inlets, an outlet, and a transportation region. The one or more inlets are formed on a first side of the structure. The inlets have inlet sizes selected according to a removal rate and to mitigate gas flow variations within the chamber. The outlet is on a second side of the structure, opposite the first side of the structure. The outlet has an outlet size selected according to the removal rate. The transportation region is within the structure and couples or connects the inlets to the outlet.

Abstract: This invention provides substrates for use in various applications, including single-molecule analytical reactions. Methods for propagating optical energy within a substrate are provided. Devices comprising waveguide substrates and dielectric omnidirectional reflectors are provided. Waveguide substrates with improved uniformity of optical energy intensity across one or more waveguides and enhanced waveguide illumination efficiency within an analytic detection region of the arrays are provided.

Abstract: A nanoflow detector cell comprises a nanoflow detection cell template defining a sample channel transverse template and a reference channel transverse template, generally parallel to the sample channel, and spaced apart from the sample channel. Clear capillary tubing extends through the sample channel, defining a sample chamber, a portion of the capillary tubing extends out of each end of the sample channel, and is shaped to the template.

Abstract: One aspect of the system provides the use of a laser with a mass spectrometer. Another aspect of the present application employs a laser emitting a pulse of less than one picosecond duration into an ion-trap mass spectrometer. In yet another aspect of the present application, a femtosecond laser beam pulse is emitted upon an ionized specimen to remove at least one electron therefrom.

Abstract: A micro-reactor is provided for observing small particles, cells, bacteria, viruses or protein molecules in a fluid. The micro-reactor includes a first channel for containing the fluid and a second channel adjacent to the first channel. A gap connects the first channel and the second channel and a window transparent to the method of inspection is provided at the gap. A static or dynamic gradient, such as a gradient in concentration of a chemical or biological material, in pressure, in temperature, in electric potential, or in magnetic field, is applied across the gap, thereby causing the particles to cross the gap. By detecting a property of the particles upstream in the first channel and then applying a pressure burst over the channels when the property meets certain pre-set criteria, only selected particles can be placed in the gap.

Abstract: Measuring device of the present invention includes a plurality of measuring sites for generating a plurality of optical paths and various dilutions. The range for concentration measurement and the measurement accuracy are enhanced due to the plurality of optical path length, and the interference on the measurement ranges and results caused by the concentration or the turbidity of suspended solid is reduced and removed by water sample dilution, and thus the characteristic wavelengths of the components in the water are measured. Next, the information of spectrum database is used to determine the ingredients which may exist in the water (qualitative analysis), and UV-VIS-NIR absorbance spectrum analysis is used to obtain the concentration of the respective ingredients in the water at the same time (quantitative analysis).

Abstract: An optical apparatus with a single-use, disposable fluid flow cartridge and cell and associated optical interface is employed in determining characteristics of a fluid and/or suspended materials or cells contained therein which are introduced into the apparatus. The optical interface communicates electromagnetic radiation from an optical instrument through the fluid within the cell and to an appropriate sensor within the optical instrument. The interaction of the electromagnetic radiation with the fluid is measured by the signal generated by the sensor. Fluid present within the cell may be static or flowing, allowing both discrete sample measurements and monitoring of continuous processes.

Abstract: An assay apparatus comprising: i) an assay cartridge (52, 53) comprising at least one well (57-62) and a pipette (50) positionable in at least one said well; ii) a holder arranged to received said cartridge; iii) drive means operable to position said pipette in selected wells of said cartridge; iv) a gas pressure applicator couplable to said pipette whereby to cause liquid flow through said membrane; and v) a radiation detector operable to detect radiation from a well of said cartridge of said cartridge or from said pipette.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for determining chemical and/or physical properties of working substances in a machine system, particularly in a floating device. In at least one embodiment, the working substance is irradiated with light, wherein the working substance has at least one temperature from a defined temperature range during irradiation; and the light penetrating the working substance or reflected by the working substance is spectrally analyzed.

Abstract: A sample cell can be designed to minimize excess gas volume. Described features can be advantageous in reducing an amount of gas required to flow through the sample cell during spectroscopic measurements, and in reducing a time (e.g. a total volume of gas) required to flush the cell between sampling events. In some examples, contours of the inners surfaces of the sample cell that contact the contained gas can be shaped, dimensioned, etc. such that a maximum clearance distance is provided between the inner surfaces at one or more locations. Systems, methods, and articles, etc. are described.

Abstract: A microfluidic diagnostic device (1, 50) comprising a substrate (4); a compatible layer (6) formed on a first face (4a) of the substrate (4); a structural layer (8), formed on top of the compatible layer (6); a channel (10), formed in the structural layer (8) and limited underneath by the compatible layer (6), optically accessible by a first luminous radiation having a first wavelength (?e); and a cover layer (18) made of a material transparent to the first wavelength (?e), arranged on top of the structural layer (8) and sealing the channel (10) at the top, wherein the compatible layer (6) has a thickness equal to approximately a quarter of the first wavelength (?e) divided by the refraction index of the compatible layer (6), or equal to an odd multiple of a quarter of the first wavelength (?e) divided by the refraction index of the compatible layer (6).

Abstract: A measurement device that includes a device main unit including at least one cavity for accommodating an analyte containing a specimen and an aperture array structure including a plurality of apertures extending therethrough in a direction perpendicular to a principal surface thereof. The aperture array structure is fixed such that part or all of the aperture array structure is positioned in the cavity.

Abstract: A method for determining an asphaltene yield curve and an asphaltene flocculation point includes obtaining a crude oil sample and measuring an optical spectrum of the crude oil sample. A titrant is then mixed with the crude oil sample at different concentrations. At each concentration, precipitated asphaltenes are filtered from the mixture and the optical spectrum of the filtrate is measured. The optical spectrum of the filtrate is then subtracted from the optical spectrum of the crude oil sample. A fractional asphaltene precipitation is determined for each concentration of titrant. A flocculation point is determined corresponding to an inflection point in the fractional asphaltene precipitation for each concentration of titrant.

Abstract: An analyzer is disclosed herein. The analyzer encompasses a substrate having a surface with a plurality of distinct V-grooves formed therein. An input flow channel is configured to intersect and fluidly communicate with each of the plurality of distinct V-grooves at respective input points, and an output flow channel is configured to intersect and fluidly communicate with each of the plurality of distinct V-grooves at respective output points.

Abstract: A flow rate measuring device includes: a flow rate sensor; a physical property sensor having a micro heater and a thermopile; and a sub-flow path portion having a physical property detecting flow path in which the physical property sensor is disposed. The micro heater and the thermopile are disposed side by side in a direction orthogonal to a flow direction of a fluid to be measured, and the flow rate sensor is disposed at a position except for the physical property detecting flow path.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods of improving cell culture vessel assays. In one aspect the application is directed to a method of reducing the curvature of the meniscus comprising applying a coating material to the interior wall of the vessel, wherein the coating material provides a receding contact angle of about 90 degrees with aqueous solutions and culture media. In another aspect, the application is directed to a method of labeling cells in a first solution by generating droplets of a second solution containing at least one cell-labelling agent and allowing the droplets of the second solution to contact the surface of the first solution.

Abstract: Parallel uses of microfluidic methods and devices for focusing and/or forming discontinuous sections of similar or dissimilar size in a fluid are described. In some aspects, the present invention relates generally to flow-focusing-type technology, and also to microfluidics, and more particularly parallel use of microfluidic systems arranged to control a dispersed phase within a dispersant, and the size, and size distribution, of a dispersed phase in a multi-phase fluid system, and systems for delivery of fluid components to multiple such devices.

Abstract: A device for measuring flow is provided. Tubing having a polymer therein is activated, followed by downstream detection of agents released by the polymer. The downstream detection of the agents provides for a calculation of the flow to be performed.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device controls flow of fluid in a capillary pathway device having a first capillary passage with an inlet and an outlet and a fluid application region for receiving a liquid sample for entry to the capillary passage via the inlet, with the fluid flow control device comprising first sealing means operable for releasably sealing the outlet of the first capillary passage.

Abstract: A vented combinatorial processing cell is described, including a sleeve having an end forming a fluid seal with a region of a substrate, a flow head including a vent and disposed in the sleeve to dispense fluid onto the region, the flow head, the substrate, and the sleeve defining a chamber for processing the region, a fluid source attached to the flow head to deliver the fluid into the chamber, and a vacuum port attached to the flow head to remove fluid from the chamber.

Abstract: A microcuvette is provided, including a body having a slit inside. The slit connects to an entry slit and an exit slit, and the entry slit and the exit slit are on the opposite side of the body. The microcuvette is characterized in that the slit includes a drainage slit, an optical measuring slit, and a protecting slit. The drainage slit directly connects to the entry slit, the optical measuring slit, and the protecting slit. The protecting slit at least partially surrounds the optical measuring slit and connects to the exit slit. The drainage slit has an average width not larger than the optical measuring slit, and the protecting slit has a width larger than the optical measuring slit. The microcuvette of the present invention is convenient to use, disposable, and can reduce factors affecting measurement results.

Abstract: A motorized multi-cuvette rotatable carousel positions cuvettes around a stationary axis. A rotatable cuvette holder plate positions cuvettes in the carousel. The cuvette holder plate has spring tensioning elements that hold cuvettes in a precise position within the cuvette holder plate. A cuvette positioning arm is attached to the rotatable carousel assembly. The positioning arm geometrically positions the cuvette for depth-resolved laser-induced fluorescence testing.

Abstract: A non-dispersive gas analyzer comprising a light source, having light that shines through a measuring cuvette containing a measuring gas to be analyzed onto a non selective detector having a downstream evaluation unit, wherein a multi-component gas analysis is made possible using in a simple manner in that the light source is a flash discharge lamp and the evaluation unit is configured to evaluate the temporal pulse curves of the flash shining onto the detector such that it is possible to take advantage of the property of flash discharge lamps in that the emitted wavelength components vary over the duration of the flash.

Abstract: A flow cell assembly for use in a liquid sample analyzer including a radiation source, a sensing device and a liquid sample source to supply a liquid sample includes an entrance joint member, a liquid core waveguide, a liquid sample feed tube, and an input optical fiber. The entrance joint member includes a waveguide receiving bore and a feed tube receiving bore. The liquid core waveguide is mounted in the waveguide receiving bore and defines a waveguide bore. The liquid sample feed tube is mounted in the feed tube receiving bore such that the liquid sample feed tube is in fluid communication with the waveguide bore to fluidly connect the liquid sample source to the waveguide bore. The input optical fiber is mounted in the entrance joint member to transmit radiation from the radiation source to the waveguide bore, which radiation is transmitted through the waveguide bore and the liquid sample therein to the sensing device.

Abstract: An absorption cell for microfluidic chemical analysis made from tinted or colored polymers, for example polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), in which microfluidic channels are cut. Light is coupled into the absorption cell via two windows (typically 200 um thick) that are retained at either end of the channel. Absorption is measured using a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED) and a photodiode butted against the windows. Spurious scattered and/or reflected light is absorbed by the colored polymer over the length of the measurement cell, while very little light loss occurs at the coupling windows.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking an accurate photometric measurement of a liquid by way of forming a specimen volume of a controlled optical path length for use with photometric measurement equipment is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a transparent body configured for displacing a volume of a fluid and at least one support element wherein the support element is configured to maintain the transparent body at a location such that specimen fluid may enter a void volume to form a specimen volume of a controlled optical path length. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a plurality of transparent bodies interconnected by a web such that the transparent bodies are maintained at a spacing arrangement which allows for them to be inserted into the wells of a microplate in order to create a plurality of specimen volumes of a controlled optical path length.

Abstract: A flow cell assembly for use in a liquid sample analyzer including a radiation source, a sensing device and a liquid sample source to supply a liquid sample includes an entrance joint member, a liquid core waveguide, a liquid sample feed tube, and an input optical fiber. The entrance joint member includes a waveguide receiving bore and a feed tube receiving bore. The liquid core waveguide is mounted in the waveguide receiving bore and defines a waveguide bore. The liquid sample feed tube is mounted in the feed tube receiving bore such that the liquid sample feed tube is in fluid communication with the waveguide bore to fluidly connect the liquid sample source to the waveguide bore. The input optical fiber is mounted in the entrance joint member to transmit radiation from the radiation source to the waveguide bore, which radiation is transmitted through the waveguide bore and the liquid sample therein to the sensing device.

Abstract: An optical sensor may include a sensor head that has an optical window for directing light into a flow of fluid and/or receiving optical energy from the fluid. The optical sensor may also include a flow chamber that includes a housing defining a cavity into which the sensor head can be inserted. In some examples, the flow chamber includes an inlet port defining a flow nozzle that is configured to direct fluid entering the flow chamber against the optical window of the sensor head. In operation, the force of the incoming fluid impacting the optical window may prevent fouling materials from accumulating on the optical window.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to identify at least one component from a plurality of components in a fluid mixture, includes a first input channel containing the fluid mixture of components; at least one buffer input channel, into which at least one additional flow of buffer solution is introduced; a plurality of regions disposed at the other end of the apparatus, which are adapted to receive outputs of at least one selected component of the plurality of components, the selected component which is selectively removed from the first flow to one of the regions; a waste channel through which unselected components are removed from the first flow; a plurality of pumps connected to at least one reservoir, to control flow rates of the first flow and the additional flow(s); and a computer which controls a selection of one of the plurality of components from the fluid mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for photometric measurements of a liquid sample. The methods and devices use one or more diffractive reflective surfaces to enable a light beam incident on a measurement chamber to be steered so as to be reflected inside the measurement chamber to achieve relatively long optical paths in the measurement chamber. The liquid sample may be blood or blood serum. The measurement chamber may be provided in a microfluidic device, for example a centrifugal microfluidic device. Some embodiments enable multiplexing of different wavelengths or path lengths. Some embodiments make use of multiple returned beams to determine the position and/or orientation of the measurement chamber.

Abstract: A unit is provided comprising an array (2) of sample containers (1), said containers, being connected together and arranged in a planar configuration, each container having multiple optically transparent windows arranged such that the sample contained therein can be interrogated using simultaneous multiple optical analytical techniques, the array of containers being configured so as to allow optical access to the windows of each container in the array. Also provided is an apparatus comprising such a unit, a system comprising a combination of such an apparatus and unit and a method of analyzing multiple samples by introducing each individual sample into an individual container of such an apparatus, illuminating the samples and detecting and analyzing light emerging therefrom.

Abstract: A lid for a multiwell plates which allows improved light scattering measurement of liquid samples within the wells of a multiwell plate, and which at the same time mitigates evaporation from said samples is disclosed. A surface element protrudes from the bottom of the lid into the fluid in a well. The protruding element may be hollow or solid, and the beam of light, directed into the element may act to capture or direct the beam while preventing backscatter from reaching the light scattering detector or detectors. The protruding element may thus direct the beam from the well without the beam having to pass through a fluid/air interface. The angle and shape of the lid surfaces may be optimized to minimize or eliminate back-reflection. Light absorbing and/or light blocking colorization may also be employed to minimize or eliminate back reflection. Evaporation is controlled by physically capping the well with the lid, either sealing against the face at the top of the well or the inside surface of the well.

Abstract: An optical analyzer, in particular an optical gas analyzer, having a holder (10) for installing into a gas-carrying hollow space, wherein the holder (10) has a ball socket (20) and a ball segment (30) with a longitudinal axis (A), wherein the ball socket (20) has at least one first segment (21) and a second segment (22) and is designed such that it at least partly engages around the ball segment (30) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A).

Abstract: A method for determining the area of an analysis chamber covered by a biologic fluid sample quiescently residing within the chamber is provided. The chamber has a first panel with an interior surface, and a second panel with an interior surface, both of which panels are transparent.

Abstract: An optical assembly and method for the non-invasive determination of a concentration of an analyte in a tissue sample is disclosed. The assembly comprises an optical arrangement comprising a first optical interface for reflecting light incident thereon and a second optical interface for reflecting light incident thereon. The second interface comprises an interface between an optical element of the arrangement and the tissue sample under investigation. The light reflected from the first and second interfaces is arranged to combine to generate an interference pattern characteristic of a difference in phase between light reflected from the first interface with the light reflected from the second interface.

Abstract: The invention refers to a fouling detection setup (I) and method for determining the amount of fouling (5) of surfaces (3) of fluid (6) treating devices (2) and/or internal functional components (4) of such devices, which are exposed to said fluid and are subjected to fouling. Fouling detection setups and methods are useful for monitoring the amount of fouling of surfaces, e.g. heat-transfer surfaces and also for monitoring the cleaning procedure of such fluid treating devices and/or internal functional components of such devices. According to the invention the detection setup (I) comprises at least one first sensor (7), with means (9) for measuring the optical transparency T and/or electrical conductive conductivity Q of said fluid (6). The Sensor includes at least one sensitive area (8) that is located nearby and/or within said surfaces (3) and wherein said area is at least temporarily exposed to said fluid (6).

Abstract: An apparatus for taking an accurate photometric measurement of a liquid by way of forming a specimen volume of a controlled optical path length for use with photometric measurement equipment is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a transparent body configured for displacing a volume of a fluid and at least one support element wherein the support element is configured to maintain the transparent body at a location such that specimen fluid may enter a void volume to form a specimen volume of a controlled optical path length. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a plurality of transparent bodies interconnected by a web such that the transparent bodies are maintained at a spacing arrangement which allows for them to be inserted into the wells of a microplate in order to create a plurality of specimen volumes of a controlled optical path length.

Abstract: An optical system for acquiring fast spectra from spatially channel arrays includes a light source for producing a light beam that passes through the microfluidic chip or the channel to be monitored, one or more lenses or optical fibers for capturing the light from the light source after interaction with the particles or chemicals in the microfluidic channels, and one or more detectors. The detectors, which may include light amplifying elements, detect each light signal and transducer the light signal into an electronic signal. The electronic signals, each representing the intensity of an optical signal, pass from each detector to an electronic data acquisition system for analysis. The light amplifying element or elements may comprise an array of phototubes, a multianode phototube, or a multichannel plate based image intensifier coupled to an array of photodiode detectors.

Abstract: A manufacturer of gas cells performs an arrangement process of arranging solid substances at positions corresponding to holes each of which is provided on each of a plurality of cells. Then, the manufacturer of the gas cells performs an accommodation process of accommodating gas in inner spaces of the cells through an air flow path connected to the holes. Further, the manufacturer of the gas cells performs a sealing process of sealing the spaces by melting the solid substances to close the holes corresponding to the solid substances.

Abstract: A flow cell assembly for use in a liquid sample analyzer including a radiation source, a sensing device and a liquid sample source to supply a liquid sample includes an entrance joint member, a liquid core waveguide, a liquid sample feed tube, and an input optical fiber. The entrance joint member includes a waveguide receiving bore and a feed tube receiving bore. The liquid core waveguide is mounted in the waveguide receiving bore and defines a waveguide bore. The liquid sample feed tube is mounted in the feed tube receiving bore such that the liquid sample feed tube is in fluid communication with the waveguide bore to fluidly connect the liquid sample source to the waveguide bore. The input optical fiber is mounted in the entrance joint member to transmit radiation from the radiation source to the waveguide bore, which radiation is transmitted through the waveguide bore and the liquid sample therein to the sensing device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an SPR sensor cell having very excellent detection sensitivity and an SPR sensor. The SPR sensor cell of the present invention includes a detection unit and a sample mounting portion adjacent to the detection unit, wherein the detection unit includes an under-cladding layer, a core layer formed so that at least a part of the core layer is adjacent to the under-cladding layer, a metal layer covering the core layer, and a protective layer formed between the core layer and the metal layer; and the protective layer is formed of a material having a band gap (Eg) of more than 1.0 eV and less than 7.0 eV.

Abstract: Measuring device of the present invention includes a plurality of measuring sites for generating a plurality of optical paths and various dilutions. The range for concentration measurement and the measurement accuracy are enhanced due to the plurality of optical path length, and the interference on the measurement ranges and results caused by the concentration or the turbidity of suspended solid is reduced and removed by water sample dilution, and thus the characteristic wavelengths of the components in the water are measured. Next, the information of spectrum database is used to determine the ingredients which may exist in the water (qualitative analysis), and UV-VIS-NIR absorbance spectrum analysis is used to obtain the concentration of the respective ingredients in the water at the same time (quantitative analysis).

Abstract: An automated testing system includes systems and methods to facilitate inline production testing of samples at a micro (multiple microns) or less scale with a mechanical testing instrument. In an example, the system includes a probe changing assembly for coupling and decoupling a probe of the instrument. The probe changing assembly includes a probe change unit configured to grasp one of a plurality of probes in a probe magazine and couple one of the probes with an instrument probe receptacle. An actuator is coupled with the probe change unit, and the actuator is configured to move and align the probe change unit with the probe magazine and the instrument probe receptacle. In another example, the automated testing system includes a multiple degree of freedom stage for aligning a sample testing location with the instrument. The stage includes a sample stage and a stage actuator assembly including translational and rotational actuators.