Scanning apparatus and method useful for detection of chemical and biological analytes

A method of scanning a vessel, comprising

• (a) examining a first subset of analytes in a vessel while applying a preload to a first portion of the vessel, wherein the preload positions the first subset of analytes to occupy an xy plane in a detection zone, wherein the preload is not applied to a second portion of the vessel;
• (b) translating the vessel to position a second subset of the analytes in the xy plane of the detection zone;
• and
• (c) examining the second subset of the analytes in the vessel while applying the preload to a second portion of the vessel, wherein the preload positions the second subset of the analytes to occupy the xy plane of the detection zone, wherein the preload is not applied to the first portion of the vessel, thereby scanning the vessel.

A reactor apparatus, comprising

• (a) a vessel comprising a lumen and a wall, wherein the wall comprises an internal surface and an external surface, wherein the internal surface contacts the lumen;
• (b) a reference surface that forms a structural loop with an energy source;
• (c) a preload configured to urge the external surface of the vessel to contact an area on the reference surface;
• (d) a scan actuator configured to slide the vessel along the reference surface in a scan dimension;
• and
• (e) a transmitter configured to direct energy from the energy source to the internal surface or the lumen when the external surface of the vessel is urged by the preload to contact the reference surface.

A method of performing reactions in a vessel, comprising

• (a) delivering energy from a reactor apparatus to a first subset of reactants in a vessel while applying a preload to a first portion of the vessel, wherein the preload positions the first subset of reactants to occupy an xy plane of a reaction zone, wherein the preload is not applied to a second portion of the vessel;
• (b) translating the vessel to position a second subset of the reactants in the xy plane of the reaction zone;
• and
• (c) delivering energy from the reactor apparatus to the second subset of the analytes in the vessel while applying the preload to a second portion of the vessel, wherein the preload positions the second subset of the analytes to occupy the xy plane, wherein the preload is not applied to the first portion of the vessel, thereby performing reactions in the vessel.