Apparatus for temperature modulation of samples

Embodiments described herein relate to apparatus for temperature modulation of samples. Generally, aspects of the disclosure provide for a portable cooling and heating apparatus which enables a user to visualize a sample during cooling or heating. In one embodiment, the apparatus include a sample block, a plurality of thermoelectric modules coupled to the sample block, and a cooling block coupled to the plurality of thermoelectric modules. In another embodiment, the cooling block is in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir. Other embodiments utilize various insulating materials to influence thermal conductivity between the sample block and the cooling block to provide for enhanced temperature control and modulation.

BACKGROUND

Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to apparatus for sample cooling and heating.

Description of the Related Art

Characterization and observation of biological and other material samples is commonly employed in various commercial and academic settings. Such characterization often includes studying the effects of temperature on the samples. Apparatus utilized to study the effects of temperature on samples, such as heating and cooling apparatus, are commonly employed to modulate the temperature environment to which the sample is exposed.

Conventional cooling apparatus often utilize compressor or condenser systems which recirculate a chilled fluid within a reservoir. Conventional systems often require that the samples be submerged in the fluid, thereby limiting the opportunity for visualization of the sample during cooling, the ability to change temperatures rapidly, and the ability to precisely control a temperature of the fluid. Conventional cooling apparatus also utilize refrigerants generally considered to be toxic which adversely impacts the safety of such systems. Moreover, submersion in fluid during sample characterization may adversely affect various characteristics of the sample. In addition, conventional cooling apparatus are large, heavy, and not readily portable, thus, limiting their application in various field type applications.

Accordingly, what is needed in the art are improved apparatus for temperature modulation of samples.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a temperature modulation apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a sample block having a plurality of wells formed in a first surface of the sample block. A plurality of thermoelectric modules are coupled to a second surface of the sample block opposite the first surface and the plurality of thermoelectric modules are disposed in a stacked arrangement. A cooling block is coupled to the plurality of thermoelectric modules opposite the sample block, a first insulation material is coupled to the plurality of thermoelectric modules, and the first insulation material extends between the second surface of the sample block and the cooling block. A second insulation material surrounds the sample block, the first insulation material, and at least a portion of the cooling block.

In another embodiment, a temperature modulation apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a metallic sample block having a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface and one or more wells are formed in the first surface. A plurality of thermoelectric modules are coupled to the second surface of the sample block and each thermoelectric module of the plurality of thermoelectric modules is coupled to a different region of the second surface. A cooling block is coupled to the plurality of thermoelectric modules opposite the sample block, a first insulation material is coupled to the plurality of thermoelectric modules, and a second insulation material is disposed radially outward of the sample block, the first insulation material, and the cooling block.

In yet another embodiment, a temperature modulation apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an aluminum sample block, an aluminum cooling block, and a plurality of thermoelectric modules disposed in a stacked arrangement positioned between the sample block and the cooling block. A metal containing ceramic paste is disposed between each of the plurality of thermoelectric modules. A first insulation material is coupled to the plurality of thermoelectric modules and the first insulation material includes an adhesive coupled to a first surface of the first insulation material and a thermally reflective material coupled to a second surface of the first insulation material. A second insulation material surrounds the sample block and the plurality of thermoelectric modules, a housing surrounds the second insulation material, and a proportional-integrative-derivative controller is in electrical communication with the plurality of thermoelectric modules and the proportional-integrative-derivative controller is disposed outside of the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein relate to apparatus for temperature modulation of samples. Generally, aspects of the disclosure provide for a portable cooling and heating apparatus which enables a user to visualize a sample during cooling or heating. In one embodiment, the apparatus include a sample block, a plurality of thermoelectric modules coupled to the sample block, and a cooling block coupled to the plurality of thermoelectric modules. In another embodiment, the cooling block is in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir. Other embodiments utilize various insulating materials to influence thermal conductivity between the sample block and the cooling block to provide for enhanced temperature control and modulation.

FIG. 1illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a temperature modulation apparatus100according to an embodiment described herein. The apparatus100includes a sample block102, a plurality of thermoelectric modules (TEMs)104,106,108,110, and a cooling block112. The sample block102is configured to hold or otherwise position material samples during temperature modulation of the samples. Examples of material samples include various biological materials, such as tissues, fluids, and the like. Other samples may include portions of or entire vertebrates, arthropods, or other organisms.

The sample block102includes a first surface120and a second surface121oriented opposite the first surface120. One or more wells116are formed in the sample block102and extend from the first surface120into the sample block102. In one embodiment, the wells116are shaped to accommodate a vial. In another embodiment, the wells (not shown) are shaped to accommodate a petri dish. In other embodiments, the wells (not shown) are shaped to accommodate PCR plate holders, reaction vessels, or other fluid containers. It is contemplated that the shape, size, positioning, orientation, and depth of the wells116may be selected to accommodate various different samples. While a plurality of wells116are illustrated, a single well116is contemplated in one embodiment. The positioning of the wells116in the sample block102enable visualization of samples within the wells116during exposure to temperature modulation.

Visualization of samples during exposure to temperature modulation is believed to be advantageous in order to observe physical, behavioral, and other characteristics of samples, such as biological specimens. Such wells116also enable utilization of live biological specimens, whereas conventional systems which utilize submersion in a fluid bath reduce the ability of visualization of the specimen during exposure to temperature modulation. Moreover, the ability to visualize specimens in a non-liquid medium, which may be more similar to the specimens natural environment, further improves data collection and analysis.

A thickness122of the sample block extending between the first surface120and the second surface121is selected to provide desirable temperature modulation characteristics, such as a ramp rate and ability to hold a constant temperature. In one embodiment, the thickness122is between about 0.25 inches and about 3 inches. In one embodiment, the sample block102has a reduced thickness, such as about 1 inch or less, and provides for an improved temperature ramping rate. In other words, a temperature of the sample block102is capable of fluctuating more rapidly when compared to a sample block120with a greater thickness. In another embodiment, the sample block102has an increased thickness, such as about 2 inches or greater. In this embodiment, a thermal mass of the sample block102is greater which enables the sample block102to more easily maintain a constant temperature.

A bottom surface118of the wells116is recessed from the first surface120. In one embodiment, the bottom surface118is rounded, for example, having a parabolic or arcuate cross-section. In another embodiment, the bottom surface (not shown) is planar or substantially planar. A thickness123of the sample block102extending between the bottom surface118and the second surface121is selected to further influence temperature modulation characteristics of the sample block102. For example, if the thickness123is relatively small, more rapid temperature change of the sample block102is contemplated. In another example, if the thickness123is relatively large, the increased thermal mass of the sample block102between the plurality of TEMs and the bottom surface118enables improved maintenance of a constant temperature, such as a temperature set point.

In one embodiment, the sample block102is fabricated from a metallic material. For example, the sample block102may be fabricated from an aluminum material, a brass material, a copper material, a stainless steel material, an alloys and combinations thereof. The material utilized to fabricate the sample block102is selected to have a coefficient of thermal conductivity suitable to reduce thermal losses and improve thermal conductivity between the TEMs104,106,108,110and the wells116.

The plurality of TEMs104,106,108,110are disposed in a stacked arrangement. A first TEM104is disposed adjacent to and coupled to the second surface121of the sample block102. In one embodiment, the first TEM104is sized to approximate an area of the second surface121. In another embodiment, the first TEM104is sized to be less than the surface area of the second surface121. A second TEM106is disposed adjacent to and coupled to the first TEM104. The second TEM106is coupled to the first TEM104opposite the second surface121of the sample block102. In one embodiment, the second TEM106is sized approximately equal to a size of the first TEM104.

A third TEM108is disposed adjacent to and coupled to the second TEM106. The third TEM108is coupled to the second TEM106opposite the first TEM104. In one embodiment, the third TEM108is sized approximately equal to the size of both the first TEM104and the second TEM106. A fourth TEM110is disposed adjacent to and coupled to the third TEM108. The fourth TEM110is coupled to the third TEM108opposite the second TEM106. In one embodiment, the fourth TEM110is sized approximately equal to the size of each of the first TEM104, the second TEM106, and the third TEM108.

As described therein TEM is a thermoelectric temperature modulation apparatus which utilizes the Peltier effect to create a heat flux between the junction of two different types of materials. For example, the TEMs described herein may be semiconductor solid state devices which transfer heat from one side of the TEM to an opposite side of the TEM depending upon the direction of an applied current. In one embodiment, the TEMs are utilized for cooling. In another embodiment, the TEMs are utilized for heating. TEMs described herein may also be considered a Peltier device, a Peltier heat pump, a solid state refrigerator, or a thermoelectric cooler or the like.

A proportional-integrative-derivative (PID) controller132is disposed in electrical communication with the TEMs104,106,108,110as shown inFIG. 1. The PID controller132is configured to control the current delivered to the TEMs which influences the cooling and/or heating of the sample block102. In one embodiment, the PID controller132includes a rocker switch which is utilized to reverse polarity of the current applied to the TEMs104,106,108,110. By changing the polarity of the current, the PID controller132can cause the TEMs104,106,108,110to either heat or cool the sample block102.

An example of a suitable PID controller is the SYL-2352 PID Temperature Controller available from Auber Instruments. In one embodiment, the first TEM104is in electrical communication with the PID controller132via a first electrical conduit134. The second TEM106is in electrical communication with the PID controller132via a second electrical conduit136. The third TEM108is in electrical communication with the PID controller132via a third electrical conduit138. The fourth TEM110is in electrical communication with the PID controller132via a fourth electrical conduit140.

Although individual conduits134,136,138,140are illustrated for each of the TEMs104,106,108,110, it is contemplated that a single electrical conduit may be utilized to control the TEMs104,106,108,110. At a distal end of each of the conduits134,136,138,140coupled to respective TEMs104,106,108,110, a thermocouple is disposed in contact with each of the TEMs104,106,108,110to provide temperature feedback to the PID controller132. In another embodiment, one or more thermocouples are disposed in contact with the sample block102, for example, in contact with either or both of the first surface120and the second surface121. In another embodiment, the one or more thermocouples are disposed in the wells116. Examples of suitable thermocouples include a T-type thermocouple, a K-type thermocouple, a J-type thermocouple, and an S-type thermocouple, or the like.

The PID controller132is disposed apart from the TEMs104,106,108,110outside of a housing126which encases the temperature modulation apparatus100. The PID controller312also includes a solid state relay and a heat sink. A suitable solid state relay is the MGR-1D4840 available from MAGER. A suitable heat sink is the HS25 SSR heat sink available from Mouser Electronics. A power supply, such as a 30 Amp, 12 Volt, DC regulated power supply is also in electrical communication with the PID controller132. It is contemplated that other suitable power sources may be utilized to power the PID controller132and the apparatus100. In certain embodiments, the PID controller132also includes a fan for cooling of the PID controller132.

Each of the electrical conduits134,136,138,140extend from the respective TEMs104,106,108,110through a first insulation material115, a second insulation material124, and the housing126. Other pathways of the electrical conduits134,136,138,140through different portions of the apparatus100are also contemplated.

The cooling block112is coupled to the plurality of TEMs104,106,108,110, and more specifically, the TEM positioned furthest form the second surface121of the sample block102, such as the fourth TEM110. The cooling block112functions to draw heat from the plurality of TEMs104,106,108,110in a direction away from the sample block102. In one embodiment, the cooling block102is fabricated from a metallic material. For example, the cooling block112may be fabricated from an aluminum material, a brass material, a copper material, a stainless steel material, and alloys and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the cooling block112is sized to approximate the surface area of the second surface121of the sample block102.

A plurality of fins114are coupled to and extend from the cooling block112. In one embodiment, the cooling block112is monolithic and the fins114are machined from the monolithic block as illustrated inFIG. 1. In another embodiment, the cooling block112is plate like and the fins114are attached to the plate opposite the plurality of TEMs104,106,108,110. In both embodiment, the fins114are configured to increase the surface area of the cooling block112to facilitate heat transfer away from the TEMs104,106,108,110.

It is contemplated that the fins114may utilize any variety of configurations selected to increase the surface area of the cooling block112. In one embodiment, the cooling block112and the fins114extending therefrom are configured to be air cooled. In another embodiment, the cooling block112and the fins114are configured to be liquid cooled. For example, the fins114may be disposed in an alcohol bath, such as an ethanol or methanol bath. In another embodiment, the fins114may be disposed in an ethylene glycol bath.

The first insulation material115is fabricated from a foam material. The foam material, which will be described in greater detail with regard toFIG. 2, is positioned and configured to insulate the TEMs104,106,108,110within the apparatus100. For example, the first insulation material115is configured to facilitate a more vertical thermal conductivity profile to improve the efficiency of heat transfer from the sample block102to the cooling block112. The first insulation material115is disposed around the TEMs104,106,108,110. In one embodiment, the first insulation material115is disposed radially outward of the TEMs104,106,108,110. The first insulation material115is positioned adjacent to the TEMs104,106,108,110and the first insulation material115extends between the second surface121of the sample block102and the cooling block112.

The second insulation material124surrounds each of the sample block102, the TEMs104,106,108,110, the first insulation material115, and at least a portion of the cooling block112. For example, the second insulation material124is disposed radially outward of and encompasses the sample block102, the TEMs104,106,108,110, the first insulation material115, and at least a portion of the cooling block112therein. In one embodiment, the second insulation material124is fabricated from a foam material, such as a high density foam, for example, a high density polyethylene material. Other examples of suitable foam materials include polyurethane foam materials and latex foam materials. The second insulation material124is configured to improve the efficiency of heat transfer within the apparatus100from the sample block102to the cooling block112.

The housing126is formed from a polymeric material, such as a plastic polymer material. The housing126surrounds the second insulation material124. In one embodiment, the second insulation material124is adhered to the housing126. In another embodiment, the second insulation material124is removably coupled to the housing126. The housing126is configured to encase and protect the apparatus100and ease transport of the apparatus. It is contemplated that the apparatus100may weight about 10 pounds or less, thus making the apparatus easily portable. It is contemplated that due to the weight of the apparatus100and the ease of portability, the apparatus100may find advantageous utilization in various field implementations in addition to bench type applications.

A lid128is removably coupled to the apparatus100. More specifically, the lid128is removably coupled to the sample block102. In one embodiment, the lid128is fabricated from a material similar to the materials utilized to fabricate the sample block102. In another embodiment, the lid128is fabricated from a material similar to the material utilized to fabricate the housing126. Although not illustrated, the lid128may be latched to the housing126or the sample block102to enable securing of the lid128to the apparatus100. The lid128also includes a handle130coupled thereto. The lid128, when coupled to the sample block102, is configured to secure samples disposed within the wells116of the sample block102. The lid128may also further function to insulate the sample block102from ambient environmental conditions.

FIG. 2illustrates a detailed enlargement of a portion of the apparatus100ofFIG. 1according to an embodiment described herein. A first thermal paste layer202is disposed between the second surface121of the sample block102and a first surface224of the first TEM104. A second thermal past layer204is disposed between a second surface226of the first TEM104and a first surface228of the second TEM106. A third thermal paste layer206is disposed between a second surface230of the second TEM106and a first surface232of the third TEM108. A fourth thermal paste layer208is disposed between a second surface234of the third TEM108and a first surface236of the fourth TEM110. A fifth thermal paste layer210is disposed between a second surface238of the fourth TEM110and a top surface240of the cooling block112.

Each of the thermal paste layers202,204,206,208,210is configured to provide a thermally conductive contact between each of the TEMs104,106,108,110and the second surface121of the sample block102and the top surface240of the cooling block. In this manner, more efficient heat transfer from the sample block102through the TEMs104,106,108,110to the cooling block112is achieved. A thickness of each of the thermal past layers202,204,206,208,210is selected to prevent the layers202,204,206,208,210from acting as an insulator.

In one embodiment, the thermal paste layers202,204,206,208,210are a metallic thermal paste material. In another embodiment, the thermal paste layers202,204,206,208,210include a silver material, a zinc oxide material, and a boron nitride material. One example of a thermal paste material suitable for utilization as the thermal paste layers202,204,206,208,210is ARCTIC SILVER® 5 available from Arctic Silver Incorporated. In certain embodiments, a viscosity agent, such as mineral oil or the like, is added to the thermal paste material as part of the thermal paste layers202,204,206,208,210to improve the viscosity of the thermal paste layers202,204,206,208,210.

The first insulation material115, which extends along the TEMs104,106,108,110between the sample block102and the cooling block112and is disposed between the TEMs104,106,108,110and the second insulation material124, includes an adhesive film212and a reflective film214. The adhesive film212is disposed on a first surface220of the first insulation material115which is disposed adjacent the TEMs104,106,108,110. The adhesive film212is configured to bond the first insulation material115to the TEMs104,106,108,110.

In one embodiment, the reflective film214is a thermally reflective film. For example, the reflective film214is fabricated from a metallic foil. The reflective film214is coupled to a second surface218of the first insulation material115. In one embodiment, the second insulation material124is disposed in contact with the reflective film214. The reflective film214is believed to prevent or substantially reduce lateral transfer of heat from the TEMs104,106,108,110through the first insulation material115. As a result, more efficient thermal conductivity between the sample block102and the cooling block112is achieved.

FIG. 3illustrates a schematic plan view of the sample block102having the plurality of wells116formed therein according to an embodiment described herein. As described above, the wells116are formed in the first surface120of the sample block102. The wells116are arranged in a grid like pattern, however other arrangements and orientations of the wells116are contemplated, depending upon the desirable implementation.

A plurality of bolts302, such as two bolts, are disposed through the sample block102and extend from the first surface120through the sample block102, the plurality of TEMs104,106,108,110, and the cooling block112to secure the aforementioned elements together. A bore (not illustrated) within which the bolts302are disposed has a tolerance which is selected to accommodate expansion of the sample block materials when subjected to thermal cycling. It is contemplated that the apparatus100is capable of cooling to temperature of about −55° C. and heating to temperatures of about 65° C. As such, the tolerances of the bores are suitable for accommodating material expansion over a temperature range of greater than about 100° C.

FIG. 4illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a temperature modulation apparatus400according to an embodiment described herein. The apparatus400includes a sample block402, a plurality of TEMs404,406,408,410, and a cooling block412. The sample block402is similar or identical to the sample block102. Similarly, the TEMS404,406,408,410are similar to or identical to the TEMs104,106,108,110. In one embodiment, a first TEM404is disposed adjacent the sample block402and a second TEM406is disposed adjacent to the sample block402and the first TEM404. A third TEM408is coupled to the second TEM406and disposed in a stacked arrangement with the second TEM406. Similarly, a fourth TEM410is coupled to the first TEM404and disposed in a stacked arrangement with the first TEM410.

A first insulation material is coupled to the TEMs404,406,408,410and extends between the sample block402and the cooling block412. In one embodiment, the first insulation material415is similar to or identical to the first insulation material415described with regard toFIG. 1andFIG. 2. The cooling block412is fabricated from a metallic material, such as the materials described with regard to the cooling block112with regard toFIG. 1. However, the cooling block412has a channel414formed therein which is configured to receive a thermal transfer fluid therein. The cooling block412and channel414are described in greater detail with regard toFIG. 6AandFIG. 6B.

A PID controller432ofFIG. 4, which may be similar to the PID controller132, is in electrical communication with the TEMs404,406,408,410via a plurality of electrical conduits434,436. In one embodiment, a first electrical conduit434is coupled to the first TEM404and the fourth TEM410which are disposed vertically adjacent to a first region of the sample block402. In this embodiment, a second electrical conduit436is coupled to the second TEM406and the third TEM408which are disposed vertically adjacent to a second region of the sample block402different than the first region. It is contemplated that each of the TEMs404,406,408,410may each be coupled to the PID controller432by a respective electrical conduit or each of the TEMs404,406,408,410may all be coupled to the PID controller432by a single electrical conduit, depending upon the desired implementation. Similar to the PID controller132, the PID controller432is disposed outside of the housing440.

The housing440surrounds and encompasses the cooling block402, the TEMs404,406,408,410, the first insulation material415, and the cooling block412. In one embodiment, the housing440is fabricated from a material similar to the second insulation material124. In another embodiment, the housing440is fabricated from a material similar to the housing126. In yet another embodiment, the housing440includes both materials similar to the second insulation material125and the housing126. The housing440is configured to insulate and/or protect the elements of the apparatus400.

A pump430is disposed within the housing440. The pump430is in fluid communication with the cooling block412via a first conduit426which extends from the pump430to the cooling block412and a second conduit428which extends from the cooling block412to the pump430. The conduits426,428are configured to transfer a fluid therein and, in one embodiment, are fabricated from a metallic material, such as copper. In another embodiment, the conduits426,428are fabricated from a polymeric material. Although not illustrated, in another embodiment, the pump430is disposed outside the housing440.

A first thermal transfer fluid, such as water, alcohol, ethylene glycol, and combinations and mixtures thereof are flowed through the conduits426,428and the channels414of the cooling block412by the pump430. A portion of the first conduit426passes through a fluid reservoir422. The fluid reservoir422is disposed outside of the housing440and is filled with a second heat transfer fluid424. In one embodiment, the second heat transfer fluid424in the fluid reservoir422is the same as the first thermal transfer fluid flowed through the conduit428,428, and the channels414of the cooling block412.

A portion of the first conduit426extending through the fluid reservoir422is disposed is a coiled arrangement. The coiled arrangement of the portion of the first conduit426in the fluid reservoir422increases the residence time of the first thermal transfer fluid in the reservoir422in order to increase the amount of heat removed from the first thermal transfer fluid. The first thermal transfer fluid, after being cooled in the second thermal transfer fluid424, travels through the first conduit426to the cooling block412. The first thermal transfer fluid cools and or removes heat from the cooling block412until the first thermal transfer fluid enters the second conduit428and is flowed to the pump430whereby the first thermal transfer fluid re-enters the first conduit426and the process is repeated.

FIG. 5illustrates a schematic bottom view of the sample block402with a plurality of TEMs408,410,502,504coupled to different regions of the sample block402according to an embodiment described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the third TEM408(which may be a single TEM or may include the second TEM406ofFIG. 4which is not visible in this view disposed in a stacked arrangement) approximates a first region corresponding to a first quadrant of the sample block402. The fourth TEM410(which may be a single TEM or may include the first TEM404ofFIG. 4which is not visible disposed in a stacked arrangement) approximates a second region corresponding to second quadrant of the sample block402.

A fifth TEM502, which may be a single TEM or a plurality of TEMs arranged in a stacked arrangement, approximates a third region corresponding to a third quadrant of the sample block402. A fifth TEM504, which may be a single TEM or a plurality of TEMs arranged in a stacked arrangement, approximates a fourth region corresponding to a fourth quadrant of the sample block402.

Each of the TEMs408,410,502,504are coupled to the sample block402at different regions which enables regional temperature control of the sample block402. Thus, maintaining different regions of the sample block402at different temperatures is enabled according to the embodiments described herein. While a quadrant arrangement is illustrated, it is contemplated that various other types of regional arrangements may be implemented. For example, one region, two regions, three regions, four region, five regions, six regions, and so on are contemplated and may be implemented by positioning different TEMs are suitable locations to enable regional temperature control of the sample block402. It is also contemplated that the TEMs are spaced apart from one another along the sample block402to generate a temperature gradient across the sample block402.

In the above embodiments, the PID controller432, and associated electrical conduits enabling electrical communication between the TEMs408,410,502,504and the PID controller432, is configured to selectively control each of the TEMs such that the different regions of the sample block402are individually controlled.

FIG. 6Aillustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooling block412according to an embodiment described herein. The cooling block412includes a first portion602having a first surface606and a second portion604having a second surface608. Recesses are formed in the first surface606of the first portion602and the second surface608of the second portion604such that when the first portion602and the second portion604are joined, the channels414are formed. In one embodiment, the channels414have a substantially circular cross-section. In other embodiments, a cross-sectional shape of the channels414is polygonal.

A seal member610is coupled to the first portion602to ensure a fluid tight seal between the first portion602and the second portion604. Although not illustrated, the seal member610may be coupled to the second portion604. In certain embodiments, the seal member610is optional.

FIG. 6Billustrates a schematic plan view of the second portion604of the cooling block ofFIG. 6Aaccording to an embodiment described herein. The first portion602is removed inFIG. 6Bto illustrate a pathway of the channels414. In the illustrated embodiment, the channels414are a single channel which extends through the cooling block412from an inlet612to an outlet614. The orientation of the pathway of the channels414is selected to increase a residence time of fluid flowing through the channels414. The orientation of the pathway may be a serpentine path, a tortured path, or other pathway which traverses the cooling block412.

Embodiments described herein provide for an improved cooling and heating apparatus for temperature modulation of samples. Advantageously, the apparatus described herein provide temperature modulation over a large temperature range with the ability to finely control temperatures with a margin of error within about +/−0.2° C. Apparatus described herein is portable and enables visualization of samples during exposure to temperature modulation. Accordingly, improved data collection of various sample types resulting from temperature modulation exposure may be realized in accordance with the embodiments described herein.