Array optics

摘要

An instrument is disclosed with a lens system including an objective lens system. The objective lens system is disposed between a light source and the plurality of reaction regions. The objective lens system includes a field lens array, and a pupil plane, wherein the pupil plane and the light source are located on opposite sides of the field lens array. The field lens array is disposed between the light source and the plurality of reaction regions, the field lens array including a plurality of field lens array elements, wherein the radius of the curvature, the thickness and the position of the center of the curvature of any one field lens array element in the field lens array is variable and is disposed in a light beam path between the light source and the reaction regions such that any one of the field lens array elements is capable of imaging a pupil stop located between the light source and the field lens array to a pupil located on the pupil plane, wherein an array of pupils located on the pupil plane is generated by the field lens array.

主权项

1. An instrument comprising:
a block with a plurality of spaced apart reaction regions; a light source emitting light comprising at least one excitation frequency; an objective lens system disposed between the light source and the plurality of reaction regions, said objective lens system comprising a field lens array and a pupil plane, wherein said pupil plane and said light source are located on opposite sides of the field lens array and said field lens array is disposed between said light source and said plurality of reaction regions, said field lens array comprising a plurality of field lens array elements arranged as a unitary component, each field lens array element having a radius of curvature, a thickness and a position of the center of the curvature that are different for each lens array element, each field lens array element comprises a constant lateral width, and any one of said field lens array elements is capable of imaging a pupil stop located between said light source and said field lens array to a pupil located on said pupil plane, wherein an array of pupils located on the pupil plane is generated by the field lens array, with the proviso that said instrument does not include a field lens; and a detector disposed to receive emission light beams emitted from the plurality of reaction regions; wherein said objective lens system is further disposed between said plurality of reaction regions and said detector, and wherein said instrument additionally comprises an emission light objective between said field lens array and said detector such that the reaction regions are imaged onto the detector.