Optimized sequencing systems and methods

A method for non-contact heating, comprising:

• (a) providing a substrate surface and a non-contact heater, wherein the non-contact heater comprises a surface comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted thereto, wherein the substrate surface comprises a plurality of analytes immobilized thereto;
• (b) positioning the non-contact heater above the substrate surface such that the plurality of LEDs are configured to direct light to the substrate surface;
• and
• (c) activating at least a subset of the plurality of LEDs to direct light to a subset of the plurality of analytes immobilized on the substrate surface.

A system for non-contact heating, comprising:

• a substrate comprising a substrate surface, wherein the substrate surface comprises a plurality of analytes immobilized thereto;
• a non-contact heater, wherein the non-contact heater comprises a surface comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted thereto;
• and
• one or more controllers, individually or in combination, configured to activate at least a subset of the plurality of LEDs to direct light towards a subset of the plurality of analytes immobilized on the substrate surface.

A method for heating a substrate during sequencing, comprising:

• (a) providing a substrate comprising a substrate surface, wherein the substrate surface comprises a plurality of nucleic acid molecules immobilized thereto;
• (b) contacting a plurality of labeled nucleotides to the plurality of nucleic acid molecules;
• and
• (c) prior to, during, or subsequent to (b), heating the substrate surface by one or more of:
• (i) directing light from a non-contact heater comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), wherein the non-contact heater is not in contact with the substrate surface;
• (ii) using a fan to heat a processing chamber comprising the substrate, wherein the fan is not in contact with the substrate surface;
• (iii) heating a solution comprising the plurality of labeled nucleotides to a temperature higher than a temperature of the substrate surface, and dispensing the solution in (b);
• (iv) heating a washing solution, and dispensing the washing solution prior to (b);
• and
• (v) heating a chuck, a sub-chuck, or a theta stage, wherein the substrate is coupled to the chuck, wherein the chuck is coupled to the theta stage via the sub-chuck, and wherein the theta stage is configured to rotate the substrate.