Combination reader

Abstract

An apparatus for imaging an array of a plurality of features associated with a sample tile. The apparatus includes a stage that supports the sample tile in an illumination region, and an illumination source having a plurality of LEDs adapted to emit light. At least a portion of the light illuminates the illumination region. Additionally, the apparatus includes an image collecting device adapted to selectively collect images of either a first signal when the illumination source is illuminating the illumination region, or a second signal absent illumination of the illumination region. The first signal has wavelengths effectively different from the wavelengths of the portion of the light emitted by the LEDs that illuminates the illumination region.

1 . An illumination source for illuminating an array including a plurality of features to be imaged by an imaging system, the illumination source comprising; 
 a frame configured to be coupled to the imaging system;    a plurality of LEDs associated with the frame, the LEDs configured to emit light directed at the array, thereby resulting in a fluorescent signal being emitted by at least one feature in the array; and    a plurality of diffusers configured to diffuse the light emitted from each LED such that the light emitted from each LED overlaps the light emitted from at least one other LED at a top surface of the array, thereby flooding the array with light from a plurality of directions so that at least one of a shape and a size of at least one feature in the array is determinable.    
     
     
         2 . The illumination source of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of filters, wherein each filter is associated with one of the LEDs, and each filter is configured to filter the light emitted by the corresponding LED such that light, other than light having a wavelength suitable to result in the emission of the fluorescent signal, is effectively prevented from passing through each second filter.  
     
     
         3 . The illumination source of  claim 1 , wherein the illumination source comprises an illumination ring having a single continuous body that forms a ring with an opening therethrough.