Patent ID: 7366063
Filing Date: 2008-04-29
Classification: B01L,G01N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for focusing light on a portion of an optical disc, the optical disc comprising at least one analyte section for receiving an analyte for analysis by the apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a light source configured to emit light; a lens configured to receive the light on a first side of the lens and to direct the light out of a second side of the lens towards the optical disc such that the light is focused at a focal point; a coil attached to the lens, wherein the coil and lens assembly are moveably attached to the apparatus so that a position of the focal point with reference to the disc may be adjusted by moving the coil and lens assembly in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a plane of the optical disc; and a magnet positioned proximate the lens and configured to cause the coil and the lens attached to the coil to move corresponding to an adjustable range of magnetic strength of the magnet, wherein the magnetic strength is adjustable in response to an amount of reflected laser light from the optical disc so as to maximize the amount of reflected laser light as the position of the focal point on the optical disc is adjusted.