Patent ID: 8373854

Claim:
A system for biological reactions, comprising: a sample support configured to support one or more biological samples; a reference disposed to provide optical access to the one or more biological samples, comprising: a light-producing element; and at least one of a spectral filter layer, an intensify filter layer, a subtractive element, or a protective coating layer; a light source configured to illuminate the one or more biological samples and to illuminate the light producing element through the at least one of a spectral filter layer, an intensity filter layer, a subtractive element, or a protective layer; a detector configured to receive light from the one or more biological samples and to receive light that is emitted, reflected, or scattered from the light producing element; an optical system configured to direct light from the biological samples and the light producing element to the detector; wherein the reference is configured to locate or align at least a portion of the sample support.