Scanning spectrophotometer for high throughput fluorescence detection

Abstract

A fluorescence spectrophotometer having an excitation double monochromator, a coaxial excitation/emission light transfer module, and an emission double monochromator. Each monochromator includes a pair of holographic concave gratings mounted to precisely select a desired band of wavelengths from incoming broadband light without using other optical elements, such as mirrors. Selected excitation light is directed into a sample well by a light transfer module that includes a coaxial excitation mirror positioned to direct excitation light directly to the bottom of a well of a multi-well plate. Fluorescence emission light that exits the well opening is collected by a relatively large coaxial emission mirror. The collected emission light is wavelength selected by the emission double monochromator. Selected emission light is detected by a photodetector module.

1 . A reflection light transfer module including:
 (a) an input mirror, positioned substantially coaxial with an area to be illuminated, for directing incoming light to illuminate the area; and   (b) an output mirror, positioned substantially coaxial with the area to be illuminated and in reflective alignment with the input mirror, for collecting and focusing light emitted by the area upon illumination.