Assay instrument for detecting optical signals from samples

US8748789B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Illumina, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Alexander Triener · San Diego, US
• Erik Allegoren · San Diego, US
• Wenyi Feng · 流花街道, CN
• Dale Buermann · San Diego, US
• Erik M. Olson · Cupertino, US
• James Osmus · Escondido, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 30, 2013
• Grant date: Jun 10, 2014
• Expiry date: May 30, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N21/6456
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An optical system configured to detect optical signals during imaging sessions. The optical system includes an objective lens that has a collecting end that is positioned proximate to a sample and configured to receive optical signals therefrom. The optical system also includes a removable path compensator that is configured to be located at an imaging position between the collecting end of the objective lens and the sample. The path compensator adjusts an optical path of the light emissions when in the imaging position. Also, the optical system includes a transfer device that is configured to move the path compensator. The transfer device locates the path compensator at the imaging position for a first imaging session and removes the path compensator from the imaging position for a second imaging session.