Optical system and assay chip for probing, detecting and analyzing molecules

An instrument configured to interface with an assay chip, the instrument comprising:

• an optical housing having an opening;
• at least one pulsed excitation light source configured to emit pulses of excitation energy, wherein at least a portion of the pulses of excitation energy is directed towards the opening of the optical housing;
• and
• at least one alignment component configured to mechanically position the assay chip relative to the opening such that the assay chip that is housed in a hole of a frame positioned on the outside of the optical housing receives at least a portion of the excitation energy exiting the opening when the assay chip interfaces with the instrument,
• wherein the at least one alignment component includes at least one pneumatic component or at least one spring-loaded component.

An instrument configured to interface with an assay chip, the instrument comprising:

• an optical housing having an opening;
• at least one pulsed excitation light source configured to emit pulses of excitation energy,
• wherein at least a portion of the pulses of excitation energy is directed towards the opening of the optical housing;
• and
• a plurality of alignment components fixed to the optical housing around the opening and configured to mechanically position the assay chip relative to the opening such that the assay chip receives at least a portion of the excitation energy exiting the opening when the assay chip interfaces with the instrument;
• wherein the plurality of alignment components includes at least one pneumatic component.