Patent ID: 7154598
Filing Date: 2006-12-26
Classification: G01N,G02B

Abstract:
1. A support for an array of fluorescently labeled samples comprising a transparent body that enables imaging of the array, the transparent body defining: (a) sample-receiving array-support surface disposed to receive an array of the labeled samples, the surface adapted to enable a surface wave effect to travel laterally in the transparent body adjacent the surface and (b) a field of embedded optical features located below and spaced from the array-support surface so that light reaching the optical features must then pass through the transparent body to reach the support surface and the labeled samples, the field of optical features, exposed to be illuminated by a broad light beam of excitation radiation, the field of optical features and the support being constructed and arranged so that a light beam addressed to the optical features can be launched through the transparent body at an acute angle to said sample-receiving array-support surface to produce a surface wave effect that travels laterally in the transparent body adjacent the surface, thereby to excite fluorescence from the array of samples to enable an image of the fluorescing array along an axis independent of the angle of the beam of illumination.