Abstract: Disclosed is a method for acquiring information of a target polypeptide, comprising: acquiring a diffusion time of a fluorescently labeled target polypeptide and a diffusion time of each of a plurality of fluorescently labeled reference polypeptides by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy or fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy, and acquiring information on size of the fluorescently labeled target polypeptide from the diffusion time of the fluorescently labeled target polypeptide with reference to the diffusion times of the plurality of fluorescently labeled reference polypeptides, wherein information on size of each of the plurality of fluorescently labeled reference polypeptides is known, and the sizes of the plurality of reference polypeptides are different from each other.

Abstract: Provided is a confocal sensor having a wider measuring range. A confocal sensor 1 comprises: a light source 10 that emits light at a plurality of wavelengths; a diffractive lens 130 that causes a chromatic aberration with respect to the light along an optical axis and focuses the light onto an object 200 without another intervening lens; a pinhole 120 through which reflected light passes, the reflected light being a portion of the light that was focused onto and reflected from the object 200 and focused by the diffractive lens 130; and a measuring unit 40 that measures the distance from the diffractive lens 130 to the object 200 on the basis of a wavelength of the reflected light. A distance L2 from the pinhole 120 to the diffractive lens 130 is variable.

Abstract: A system comprising: at least one hardware processor; and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon program instructions, the program instructions executable by the at least one hardware processor to: receive, as input, spectral image data representing spectral reflectance associated with at least one plant, calculate a first and second chlorophyll fluorescence indices in respective first and second wavelength bands, based, at least in part, on said spectral reflectance, and derive a quantum yield value with respect to said at least one plant, by: (i) dividing said first chlorophyll fluorescence index in a sum of said first and second chlorophyll fluorescence indices, and (ii) multiplying (i) by a vegetation index value associated with said at least one plant.

Abstract: An imaging system is configured with an autofocus operation that refocuses multiple cameras of the imaging system on detected features of interest, instead of on the whole image of the sample. Focus measures are calculated on the detected features, and then aggregated to focus distances of actuator moving the camera array, the sample stage, or individual cameras based on a maximization of detected features to be in focus. After the refocus, the imaging system recaptures new images and analyzes features on the new images to generate statistical characterization of the sample based on the classification of the features.

Abstract: A machine that automatically performs select tests on candles includes a pedestal onto which a candle is positioned. The machine also includes cameras, focused on the candle, to collect thermal emission and visual data resulting from a “candle burn”. The machine is used in a “candle burn” test method.

Abstract: A system including a signal obtaining module and a controller is provided. The signal obtaining module includes: a receiver to which an emission light generated in the target by an excitation light is input; a receiving optical path that guides the emission light and a residual light, which is at least a part of the excitation light propagated forward, coaxially between the target and the receiver; a separator that separates the residual light from the receiving optical path to be routed to an image sensor; and an actuator for controlling an optical relative position between the target and the receiver. The controller includes a module that controls the actuator to maintain an optical alignment.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a plant specimen is disclosed which includes a housing assembly adapted to be in i) an open configuration adapted to receive a plant specimen, and ii) a closed configuration wherein ambient light is controlled therein, a light source disposed in or coupled to the housing assembly, the light source adapted to shine light onto or through the plant specimen when the housing assembly is in the closed configuration, and a camera assembly coupled to the housing assembly, the camera assembly having an image sensor adapted to receive light from the plant specimen in i) a transmittance mode where light transmits through the plant specimen, or ii) a reflectance mode where light is reflected from the plant specimen, the image sensor adapted to thereby capture hyperspectral images of the plant specimen.

Abstract: An optical measurement system includes a light source, a spectroscopic detector, a reference sample, a switching mechanism that switches between a first optical path through which a sample to be measured is irradiated with light from the light source and light produced at the sample is guided to the spectroscopic detector and a second optical path through which the reference sample is irradiated with light from the light source and light produced at the reference sample is guided to the spectroscopic detector, and a processing unit that calculates, by performing correction processing based on change between a first detection result at first time and a second detection result at second time, a measurement value of the sample from a third detection result provided from the spectroscopic detector as a result of irradiation of the sample with light from the light source at third time temporally proximate to the second time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of inline measurement of low-concentration hydrocarbons overlaps fluorescence, scatter and absorption spectroscopy devices so as to measure scatter and absorption of fluorescing oil and the excited fluorescence itself. The apparatus includes a fitting, an input port, an output port, and a sapphire tube having a hollow interior in fluid connection with the input port and the output port. Flow medium passes through the input port, the sapphire tube, and the output port. The apparatus also includes a light emitter, a first detector, and a second detector. The light emitter can include a lens, an absorption and scatter wavelength emitter, and a fluorescence wavelength emitter. An incident absorption and scatter beam and an incident fluorescence beam from the light emitter and parallel so as to determine free hydrocarbon, dissolved hydrocarbons, and solids in a sample within the sapphire tube.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe is provided with a distal sampling end, a proximal end, and light delivery and collection paths therethrough. The probe includes a window disposed at the distal sampling end of the fiber optic probe, the window having a distal end and a proximal end. A lens is disposed at the proximal end of the window, the lens having a distal end, a proximal end, and an aperture. A light delivery optical fiber is provided having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being received by the lens aperture. An optical isolator provided within the lens aperture to optically isolate the light delivery path and the light collection path. A collection optical fiber is provided in optical communication with the fiber collection filter. The probe may include a lens collection filter disposed between the window and the lens.

Abstract: Methods and systems for macromolecular sequencing of one or a small number of a particular macromolecule are provided. The methods and systems generally operate by flowing a sample containing the macromolecule between a first electrode and a second electrode separated by a small gap. On one side of the gap, the first electrode is electrically coupled to an electron source that produces electrons with a narrow distribution of energies. On the other side of the gap, the second electrode is electrically coupled to an electric current sensor that detects electric current flowing across the gap from the first electrode to the second electrode.

Abstract: In variants, a method for automated experimentation can include: determining experimental constraints, constructing a computational representation of the experiment, optimizing the computational representation subject to the experimental constraints, determining instructions for a laboratory robot based on the optimized computational representation, and/or any other suitable steps.

Abstract: A microscopy system for simultaneously observing fluorescent and non-fluorescent regions of an object, and a method for operating the microscopy system are provided. The microscopy system includes a microscopy optical unit configured to image an object plane through an observation beam path onto an image plane, an observation filter arrangeable in the observation beam path, two light sources, one being provided for exciting a fluorescent dye in the object and another being provided for visualizing non-fluorescent regions of the object, and a controller to control the light sources individually. With a suitable configuration of the observation filter, all light sources can be operated with a minimum operating current, which ensures the stability of the light. The color rendering of the non-fluorescent regions can be set by the individual settability of the light sources which can be set such that fluorescent and non-fluorescent regions appear to be approximately equally bright.

Abstract: An agricultural nutrient applicator includes a container and a nutrient distribution assembly operably coupled to the container to deliver a nutrient from the container. A spectroscopic reflectance crop sense system is provided that includes an optical window. A presentation assembly is mounted to the agricultural nutrient applicator and is configured to position live plants in a field proximate the optical window of the spectroscopic reflectance crop sense system as the agricultural nutrient applicator moves. A controller is coupled to the spectroscopic reflectance crop sense system and the nutrient distribution assembly. The controller is configured to obtain, from the spectroscopic reflectance crop sense system, information indicative of a measured nutrient level in the live plants and determine a remedial nutrient amount based on the measured nutrient level and a target nutrient level. The controller controls the nutrient distribution assembly based on the remedial amount.

Abstract: A process characteristic parameter determination system uses a process model and a tuning module to accurately determine a value for a process characteristic parameter within a plant without measuring the process characteristic parameter directly, and may operate on-line or while the process is running to automatically determine a correct value of the process characteristic parameter at any time during on-going operation of the process. The process characteristic parameter value, which may be a heat transfer coefficient value for a heat exchanger, can then be used to enable the determination of a more accurate simulation result and/or to make other on-line process decisions, such as process control decisions, process operational mode decisions, process maintenance decisions such as implementing a soot blowing operation, etc.

Abstract: An optical detection device having a light detection device and a light emission device is arranged such that the light detection side of the light detection device is optically coupled to a light emission side of a light source array of the light emission device via an examination region. The light detection device generates an electrical signal n response to light that reaches the light detection side. The light source array includes a plurality of separately actuatable electric light sources which are arranged in a matrix structure or two dimensional geometric arrangement. The object to be examined can be arranged in a desired fashion, and the light emitted by the light sources radiates via the examination region on the light detection side of the light detection device. An optical reduction is system is arranged in the beam path from the light emission side to the examination region and is configured to demagnify the light pattern which is emitted by the light sources.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting designated reactions that include a fluidic network having a sample channel, a reaction chamber, and a reservoir. The sample channel is in flow communication with a sample port. The system also includes a rotary valve that has a flow channel and is configured to rotate between first and second valve positions. The flow channel fluidically couples the reaction chamber and the sample channel when the rotary valve is in the first valve position and fluidically couples the reservoir and the reaction chamber when the rotary valve is in the second valve position. A pump assembly induces a flow of a biological sample toward the reaction chamber when the rotary valve is in the first valve position and induces a flow of a reaction component from the reservoir toward the reaction chamber when the rotary valve is in the second valve position.

Abstract: There is provided an inspection device allowing surely measuring irregular-shaped parts such as a bevel of a wafer while saving space. An inspection device 100 is provided with outer periphery illuminating units 11, 111 for illuminating an outer peripheral region AP of a wafer WA being a target, and an outer periphery imaging unit that images the outer peripheral region AP of the wafer WA. The outer periphery illuminating units 11, 111 have arcuate illuminating units 11a, 111a that are arranged along a partial region of a circumference CI centered on a reference axis SA and illuminate a predetermined region A1 on the reference axis SA, and the reference axis SA of the arcuate illuminating units 11a, 111a extends in a direction crossing the tangent direction along which an outer peripheral part UA of the wafer WA extends.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more implementations of the apparatus, system and methods described, a sample measurement device is provided that is configured to measure the color of a sample. The sample measurement device includes at least one light source configured to illuminate the sample; at least one light sensor configured to output a signal in response to light emitted by light source and reflected off the sample being received by at least a portion of the light sensor; and a processor configured to receive the signal and calculate a color value for the sample, the processor configured to calculate the color value by at least adjusting the signal using a calibration factor.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for detection of sensors, such as light-detectable sensors. The devices or systems as described herein may comprise an illumination assembly configured to direct a light to at least a well of a plurality of wells in the array of wells and a detection assembly configured to detect a signal from the well.

Abstract: The method of analyzing one or more samples arranged in sample receptacles of a platform that is configured to receive a plurality of separate samples includes the steps of measuring electromagnetic radiation transmitted or emitted by each sample, repeating the measurement a plurality of times at predetermined intervals, on the basis of each measurement, forming a result matrix comprising a plurality of cells, each cell of the result matrix corresponding to a sample receptacle of the plat-form, wherein a measurement value of each sample is used as an input for determining the visual properties of the respective cell in the result matrix, and displaying the results as consecutive matrixes in respect of time.

Abstract: An airborne biological particle monitoring device collects particles floating in air. The monitoring device includes a processor, a camera sensor, and a set of approximately monochromatic illumination sources that correspond to a set of spectral curves. The camera sensor captures images of the particles providing a spectral analysis of the particles. The processor analyzes the images to identify the collected particles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for three-dimensional fluorescence polarization excitation that generates maps of positions and orientation of fluorescent molecules in three or more dimensions are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is an observation device including: a stereo image-acquisition optical system that acquires images of cells floating in a culture fluid inside a culture vessel; and an analyzer that calculates a cell density of the cells on the basis of the images acquired by the stereo image-acquisition optical system, wherein the analyzer identifies a three-dimensional position of each of the cells included in the images and calculates the cell density on the basis of the number of cells present within a predetermined three-dimensional region.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to perform spectrometric measurements, said apparatus comprising a tunable laser light source adapted to generate a laser light with an excitation wavelength supplied to an optical sensor which produces a sample specific response light signal; an optical reference filter adapted to measure laser light with the excitation wavelength fed back as a reference signal to provide wavelength calibration of the tunable laser light source; at least one optical measurement filter adapted to measure the sample specific response light signal produced by the optical sensor, wherein the optical reference filter and the at least one optical measurement filter are thermally coupled to maintain a constant wavelength relationship between the filter characteristics of the optical filters.

Abstract: A liquid evaluation system can include a cartridge including a channel configured to pull a liquid into the channel by capillary action. The cartridge can include a first plate and a second plate located in close proximity to the first plate. An internal facing surface of each plate can include a corresponding region forming the channel. Each of the regions can have an affinity for the liquid. The close proximity of the plates and the regions having an affinity for the liquid cause the liquid to be pulled into the channel by capillary action. The cartridge can include one or more additional attributes and/or the system can include one or more additional components for performing the evaluation.

Abstract: A remote sampling sensor for determining characteristics of a sample includes measurement optics and an insertion probe. The measurement optics are configured to emit light and detect returned light. The insertion probe includes a chamber, the chamber being configured to permit the sample to enter the chamber, an insertion tip at a distal end of the insertion probe, and a retro-reflective optic adjacent the insertion tip. The retro-reflective optic is configured to return the light from the measurement optics through the chamber to the measurement optics. The insertion probe is configured to be remotely located from the measurement optics.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting a presence or absence of an antimicrobial surface coating including applying at least one detectable fluorophoric dye compound to a substrate, irradiating the surface of the substrate with ultraviolet radiation in the 100-415 nm wavelength range to excite the detectable fluorophoric dye compound, observing fluorescence of the excited fluorophoric dye compound, and determining the presence or absence of the antimicrobial surface coating based on the observed fluorescence. Further disclosed are antimicrobial surface coating solutions, methods for their application, and methods for confirming the presence and coverage of antimicrobial surface coatings.

Abstract: A label-free optical device for near real time quantification of the multifractal micro-optical properties of a sample includes a source of broadband light; a tunable filter that receives at least a portion of the broadband light and then transmits narrowband light, whereby a specific band of light is selected to avoid unwanted absorption of light by the sample; where the narrowband light is configured to illuminate a selected area of the sample, and in response elastically-scattered light is dispersed from the sample; a light collection device configured to collect at least some of the elastically-scattered light; where at least some of the collected elastically-scattered light is configured to be transmitted to a detector by the light collection device, and the detector is configured to record a light scattering signal; and where the detector is configured to perform light scattering signal measurements at multiple angles or wavelengths to determine a refractive index multifractality of the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for optically exciting a plurality of analytes (12) in an array of reaction vessels (14) and for sensing fluorescent light from the analytes (12), wherein excitation light from an excitation light source (38) is supplied to the analytes (12) and wherein fluorescent light from the analytes (12) is simultaneously supplied to a fluorescent detector (34), wherein a plurality of beams (30) of the excitation light is directed into the reaction vessels (14) below the cover (28) through an array of holes (26) in a cover (28) arranged above the array of reaction vessels (14) and a plurality of beams (32) of the fluorescent light from the reaction vessels (14) reaches the fluorescent detector (34).

Abstract: A light source device includes a plurality of light sources; a condensing optical member; a fluorescent unit that converts at least a portion of the light from the light sources and condensed by the optical member into light including converted light and light from the light sources; and a sensor that detects an anomaly in the fluorescent unit, such sensor disposed within a circular area circumscribed by the light sources.

Abstract: Gemstone grading method including illuminating the gemstone by light having a plurality of spectral components, each modulated according to a spectrally specific modulation (e.g., of intensity, frequency, phase), collecting the light following interaction with the gemstone, extracting from the collected light a set of intensity values for a respective set of modulation parameter values to provide a transmittance spectrum, and an output indicative of the transmittance spectrum (e.g., color, clarity, fluorescence grade).

Abstract: The method of analyzing absorbance of one or more liquid samples arranged in the wells of a microplate includes the steps of setting a desired wavelength falling within the wavelength range of 380 nm-750 nm for absorbance measurement, illuminating the samples using electromagnetic radiation having a bandwidth of at most 20 nm around the set wavelength, measuring radiant flux transmitted through each sample, on the basis of measured radiant flux values, determining an absorbance value for each sample, and visualizing the absorbance values on a display as a matrix comprising a plurality of cells, each cell corresponding to a well of the microplate. The set wavelength is used as an input for determining the visual properties of the cells.

Abstract: A microscope-based system and a method for image-guided microscopic illumination are provided. The microscope-based system for image-guided microscopic illumination comprises a microscope, an illuminating assembly, an imaging assembly, a first processing module, and a second processing module. The microscope comprises a stage, and the stage is configured to be loaded with a sample. The imaging assembly comprises a camera. The processing modules are coupled to the microscope, the imaging assembly, and the illuminating assembly.

Abstract: Currently most cancers, including breast cancers, are removed without any intraoperative margin control. Post-operative methods inspect 1-2% of the surgical margin and are prone to sampling errors. The present invention relates to an optical imaging system that will enable evaluation of the surgical margin in vivo and in real-time. The invention provides for simultaneous fluorescence and fluorescence polarization imaging. The contrast of the acquired images will be enhanced using fluorescent agents approved for diagnostic use in patients. As the staining pattern of fluorescence images is similar to that of histology, and the values of fluorescence polarization are significantly higher in cancerous as compared to normal cells, the invention provides for further improvements in diagnostic methods. The systems and methods can be applied to the intra-operative delineation of cancerous tissue.

Abstract: A system comprises an imaging device that includes a two dimensional array of pixels. Each pixel of the array includes a first optical filter having a first pass band arranged to filter excitation light reflected by a moving object and a first detector configured to detect light transmitted through the first optical filter and to generate a first electrical signal. Each pixel of the array also includes a second optical filter having a second pass band arranged to filter excitation light reflected by a moving object and a second detector configured to detect light transmitted through the second optical filter and to generate a second electrical signal. The imaging device further includes circuitry that generates output signals from each of the pixels based on the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal of the pixel. The output signal includes information about the speed and direction of the moving object.

Abstract: An auto-focusing method for determining an in-focus position of a plurality of wells in at least a portion of a multi-well plate, the method including using a first objective lens having a first magnification to identify, in each of at least three wells of a selected subset of the plurality of wells, an in-focus position of each well with respect to the first objective lens, on the basis of at least three the in-focus positions, computing a plane along which the at least three wells will be in focus with respect to at least one objective lens having a second magnification that is not greater than the first magnification, and using the at least one objective lens to scan, along the plane, at least some of the plurality of wells in the portion of the plate.

Abstract: A discharge detection system includes a plurality of optical fibers having different optical distances from each other and provided to allow discharge light generated from a test object to enter at least one of the optical fibers, an optical sensor configured to detect the discharge light having entered the at least one of the optical fibers and to output a detection signal having a temporal change in an amplitude of the detection signal, the temporal change in the amplitude corresponding to a temporal change in intensity of the discharge light, and a signal processing system configured to identify an area where the discharge light is generated based a point of time of at least one peak in the detection signal.

Abstract: An automatic fluorescence detection system includes a base and an optical assembly. The base has a detecting region. The optical assembly includes a fluorescent image-capturing device, an illumination device and a field lens. The illumination device includes a first annular illumination module and a second annular illumination module surrounding a center axis of the fluorescent image-capturing device. Lights emitted by the first annular illumination module and the second annular illumination module travel along a light-traveling path to project onto the detecting region. A distance between the first annular illumination module and the center axis is smaller than that between the second annular illumination module and the center axis. The field lens is disposed in correspondence with the detecting region. Spacing between the field lens and the detecting region is ranged from 15.0 cm to 30.0 cm.

Abstract: An optical arrangement (10) for imaging a sample (20). The arrangement comprises an illumination objective lens (30) for producing an illumination beam (40) and a detection objective lens (50) for imaging radiation (60) from the sample (20). The illumination objective lens (30) is arranged at a non-perpendicular angle to the detection objective lens (50).

Abstract: An apparatus for the high throughput measurement of optical properties of liquid samples placed into the wells of a multiwell plate is disclosed. An optical fiber within a fiber bundle containing no corrective optics between the fiber ends and the well plate bottom illuminates the sample in order to induce fluorescence, and multiple fibers collect emission radiation and transmit it to a fluorescence detector such as a spectrometer. Other embodiments involve a light scattering illumination source with detection fibers located in either the same bundle containing the fluorescence monitoring fibers or an independent light scattering detection bundle for the measurement of static and/or dynamic light scattering. Some embodiments of the invention permit the measurement of phase analysis light scattering. Thus the measurement of multiple optical properties of a liquid sample may be made simultaneously or in succession. A method for these measurements is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamic automation are provided. An automation module may receive at least one map template that is selectable by a user. Based on the map template, the automation module may dynamically generate a robot deck layout map and/or procedure and also generate a series of robotic commands for a robot. The robotic commands may then be passed to the robot to carry out the automation. Accordingly, the automation may be entirely dynamic, without the need for a user to pre-program or pre-assemble all of the robotic commands prior to the automation. The automation module may thus be able to build, in real-time and/or on the fly, the robotic commands based only on the at least one map template that was selected by the user.

Abstract: It is aimed to prevent excitation light from leaking and being detected by the detector in a fluorescence microscope. A microscope includes an illumination optical system configured to illuminate a specimen with excitation light, a detector configured to detect fluorescence emitted from the specimen, and an observation optical system configured to guide the fluorescence to the detector. The observation optical system includes an optical filter having a variable wavelength characteristic, a light dispersing element configured to disperse, into light beams, light that has passed through the optical filter, and a light block plate configured to block at least some of the light beams resulting from the dispersion by the light dispersing element.

Abstract: An optical arrangement receives output light emanating from an object disposed within a fluid column that crosses an optical refraction boundary of the fluid column between the object and the optical arrangement. The optical arrangement modifies the output light such that the modified output light has an intensity that is more uniform than the output light.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating a fresh tissue sample, prepared as to fluoresce under illumination, during a medical procedure. A structured light source is configured to project a spatially patterned light beam onto the fresh tissue sample. An imaging system is configured to produce an image from fluorescence emitted from the illuminated fresh tissue sample. A system control is configured to provide a human-comprehensible clinically useful output associated with the medical procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining whether an individual with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis will suffer a relapse or respond to treatment for MS. A ratio of mRNA levels of Response Gene to Complement-32, FasL or IL-21 to L13 determined for an individual provides a normalized level which is compared to a cut-off value. A normalized level of Response Gene to Complement-32 greater than 2.52, a normalized level of FasL greater than 85.4 and a normalized level of IL-21 less than 11.9, respectively, indicates the individual will have or is having a relapse of multiple sclerosis. Also provided are methods for determining whether an individual will respond positively or is responding positively to glatiramer treatment and whether the individual is in a period of stable disease or is not at risk for relapse of multiple sclerosis by comparing normalized levels with the respective cut-off levels.

Abstract: An imaging system for directing one or more optical signals to one or more imaging elements is provided. The imaging system may include an optical element tray. The optical element tray may include optical elements having optical characteristics different from each other. The optical element tray may be configured to be moveable to form one or more optical paths each allowing an optical signal to travel to an imaging element through none, one, or several of the optical elements. In various embodiments, the one or more optical paths may each be selected from a plurality of linear and nonlinear paths formed by the optical elements in the optical element tray and/or additional optical elements external to the optical element tray. In some embodiments, the optical element tray may be moveable along its axis of rotation and/or rotated to enhance image stability of the imaging system.

Abstract: A system for directing light to an imaging element is provided. The system may include an optical element tray. The optical element tray may include optical elements having optical characteristics different from each other. The optical element tray may be configured to be moveable to form an optical path allowing the light to travel to the imaging element through none, one, or several of the optical elements. In various embodiments, the optical path may be selected from a plurality of linear and nonlinear paths formed by one or more optical openings, one or more optical channels, and optical reflectors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated laser microdissection are disclosed including automatic slide detection, position detection of cutting and capture lasers, focus optimization for cutting and capture lasers, energy and duration optimization for cutting and capture lasers, inspection and second phase capture and/or ablation in a quality control station and tracking information for linking substrate carrier or output microdissected regions with input sample or slide.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging biological samples on multiple surfaces of a support structure are disclosed. The support structure may be a flow cell through which a reagent fluid is allowed to flow and interact with the biological samples. Excitation radiation from at least one radiation source may be used to excite the biological samples on multiple surfaces. In this manner, fluorescent emission radiation may be generated from the biological samples and subsequently captured and detected by detection optics and at least one detector. The detected fluorescent emission radiation may then be used to generate image data. This imaging of multiple surfaces may be accomplished either sequentially or simultaneously. In addition, the techniques of the present invention may be used with any type of imaging system. For instance, both epifluorescent and total internal reflection methods may benefit from the techniques of the present invention.