Sequencing systems and methods utilizing curved imaging paths on rotating substrates

A nucleic acid sequencing system, the system comprising:

• a rotatable disk defining a rotational axis perpendicular to a top surface;
• a substrate coupled to the disk and configured to support a plurality of nucleic acid samples;
• a cover coupled to the substrate and defining a flow path for fluid between the substrate and the cover;
• an actuation system configured to rotate the disk and the coupled substrate around the rotational axis;
• and
• a detection system configured to detect sequencing events on the substrate while the substrate is rotated relative to the detection system around the rotational axis by the actuation system.