Rapid thermal cycle apparatus

摘要

A thermal cycle apparatus comprises a body having a hollow interior and an access for the passage of liquid into an out of the body. Thermally conductive liquid is contained within the interior of the body. This liquid has a thermal capacity greater than the thermal capacity of the body itself. A pump or piston is provided for moving liquid into and out of the body in conjunction with the access opening. The liquid within the body is alternated between lower and higher temperatures in repeating cycles. A well or container for holding a sample of material to be subjected to cyclic thermal changes is held in contact with the liquid within the body in order to conduct the cyclic temperature changes of the liquid to the sample. A method for thermally cycling samples of material between lower and higher temperatures is also within the purview of the present invention.