IMAGING SYSTEM FOR LUMINESCENCE ASSAYS

摘要

Apparatus for detecting light emitted by assay samples is provided, in which light emitted by the sample is collected for transmission to a charge coupled device camera (74) by an optical fibre bundle. The cross-sectional area of the optical fibre bundle corresponds to the area of the sample, the end of which is located close to the sample for detecting any light emitted therefrom, and selected fibres (30) of those making up the bundle are separated from the remainder and extend to a source of excitation radiation (76) and serve to convey excitation radiation (if required) directly to a corresponding plurality of points distributed over the area of the end face of the bundle and therefore over the area of the sample. The remaining fibres (32, 38) of the bundle serve to collect emitted light (whether generated by fluorescence caused by excitation or otherwise) and provide a light path to the charge coupled device camera, wherein the ends of the excitation fibres and the ends of the emitted light collecting fibres are distributed uniformly over the area of the fibre bundle presented to the reaction site.