초록 ▼

The present invention provides methods and systems for detecting a labeled marker on a sample located on a support. The imaging system comprises a body for immobilizing the support, an excitation radiation source and excitation optics to generate and direct the excitation radiation at the sample. In

The present invention provides methods and systems for detecting a labeled marker on a sample located on a support. The imaging system comprises a body for immobilizing the support, an excitation radiation source and excitation optics to generate and direct the excitation radiation at the sample. In response, labeled material on the sample emits radiation which has a wavelength that is different from the excitation wavelength, which radiation is collected by collection optics and imaged onto a detector which generates an image of the sample.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for imaging a sample located on a support, said apparatus comprising: a body for immobilizing said support, said support comprising at least a first surface having said sample thereon; an electromagnetic radiation source for generating excitation radiation having a first wavelength; exc

An apparatus for imaging a sample located on a support, said apparatus comprising: a body for immobilizing said support, said support comprising at least a first surface having said sample thereon; an electromagnetic radiation source for generating excitation radiation having a first wavelength; excitation optics for transforming a geometry of said excitation radiation to an excitation line, said excitation line having a focal plane, and directing said excitation line at said sample for exciting a plurality of regions thereon, said excitation line causing a labeled material on said sample to emit a response radiation, said response radiation having a second wavelength, said first wavelength being different from said second wavelength; collection optics for collecting said response radiation from said plurality of regions; a detector for sensing said response radiation received by said collection optics, said detector generating a signal proportional to the amount of radiation sensed thereon, said signal representing an image associated with said plurality of regions from said sample; a translator for allowing a subsequent plurality of regions on said sample to be excited; a processor for processing and storing said signal so as to generate a 2-dimensional image of said sample; a mirror for directing said excitation radiation to excite said plurality of regions at a non-zero incident angle such that said response radiation and said excitation line reflected from said support are decoupled from each other; and a focuser for automatically focusing said sample in said focal plane of said excitation line, said focuser comprising first focusing optics for receiving said reflected excitation line and focusing said reflected excitation line to a first spot, a first slit located such that said first spot traverses said first slit when said translator moves said support in a direction relative to said excitation line, said first spot located at substantially a center of said first slit when said support is substantially in said focal plane, and a first radiation detector located behind said first slit for generating a signal proportional to an amount of radiation detected, said amount of radiation being greatest when said support is located in said focal plane.