Patent ID: 7714301

Claim:
An apparatus for measurement of a fluorescent emission from at least one sample, each sample being supported adjacent or embedded within a medium capable of contributing to background fluorescence, said apparatus comprising: a) a light source operative to provide simultaneous illumination of a first wavelength selected to a plurality of samples to excite the fluorescent emission of light of a second wavelength by said plurality of samples wherein the light source is an LED array; b) an optical sensor, responsive to light at said second wavelength; and c) wherein the light source is an LED module including: i) a plurality of LEDs arranged in a linear array; ii) a reflector surrounding each LED and having an opening; and iii) a tubular section adjacent to each reflector opening; and d) wherein the plurality of LEDs is mounted a sufficient distance from said plurality of samples to allow intermixing of the light from the plurality of LEDs.