Multiplex fluorescence detection device having removable optical modules

A detection system comprising.

• a data acquisition device;
• and
• a detection device coupled to the data acquisition device, wherein the detection device comprises:
• a motor to rotate a disk having a plurality of process chambers each holding a respective sample and one or more fluorescent dyes;
• a plurality of optical modules, and
• a housing having a plurality of locations adapted to receive the optical modules;
• wherein each of the optical modules includes an optical channel having a light source selected for a different one of the dyes and a lens to capture fluorescent light emitted from the disk.

A method comprising:

• rotating a disk having a plurality of process chambers each having one or more species that emit fluorescent light at different wavelengths;
• exciting the disk with a plurality of light beams to produce a plurality of emitted fluorescent light beams;
• and
• capturing the fluorescent light beams with a plurality of different removable optical modules, wherein the removable optical modules are optically configured for the different wavelengths and contained within a housing.

A removable optical module for a detection device comprising:

• an optical channel having a light source selected for a different one of a plurality of fluorescent dyes and a lens to capture fluorescent light emitted from a disk;
• a set of one or more optical module electrical contacts for electronically coupling to a set of one or more housing electrical contacts within a housing;
• and
• an attachment mechanism to attach the optical module to the housing.

A removable dual optical channel optical module for a detection device comprising:

• a first optical channel having a light source selected for a first fluorescent dye and a lens to capture fluorescent light of a first wavelength emitted from a disk;
• a second optical channel having a light source selected for a second fluorescent dye and a lens to capture fluorescent light of a second wavelength emitted from the disk;
• a set of one or more optical module electrical contacts for electronically coupling to a set of one or more housing electrical contacts within a housing;
• and
• an attachment mechanism to attach the optical module to the housing.

A removable optical module having an optical channel and a laser source for a detection device comprising:

• an optical channel having a light source selected for a different one of a plurality of fluorescent dyes and a lens to capture fluorescent light emitted from a disk;
• a laser source;
• a set of one or more optical module electrical contacts for electronically coupling to a set of one or more housing electrical contacts within a housing;
• and
• an attachment mechanism to attach the optical module to the housing.

A detection device comprising:

• a motor to rotate a disk having a plurality of process chambers each holding a respective sample and one or more fluorescent dyes;
• one or more optical modules, and
• a housing having a location adapted to receive one optical module;
• wherein each of the optical modules includes an optical channel having a light source selected for a different one of the dyes and a lens to capture fluorescent light emitted from the disk.