Thermal cycler and genetic inspection apparatus

A thermal cycler comprising:

• a temperature adjustment block including one or more recessed portions configured such that a reaction vessel storing a reaction liquid in which a sample and a reagent are mixed is installable;
• a thermoelectric conversion unit capable of performing heating and cooling;
• a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the temperature adjustment block;
• an insulating substrate configured such that one surface contacts with the thermoelectric conversion unit;
• and
• a heat radiating unit provided on the other surface of the insulating substrate and configured to discharge heat of the thermoelectric conversion unit to the outside, wherein
• a current or a voltage supplied to the thermoelectric conversion unit is controlled based on the temperature of the temperature adjustment block measured by the temperature sensor to heat and cool the temperature adjustment block,
• the thermoelectric conversion unit includes a P-type semiconductor element, an N-type semiconductor element, and an electrode electrically connecting the P-type semiconductor element to the N-type semiconductor element, and
• the thermoelectric conversion unit is sandwiched to contact with the temperature adjustment block and the insulating substrate, and
• the temperature adjustment block is formed of aluminum nitride and is installed to contact with the electrode of the thermoelectric conversion unit.