Micromirror optical multiplexer and method for directing light towards an array of sensors

An optical handheld device for reading fluorescence from at least one sensor, said device comprising:

• a micromirror optical multiplexer having a micromirror array being adapted to receive a beam of light near a corner of said micromirror array, the beam of light propagating substantially parallel to one of four side faces of said micromirror array until the beam of light reaches a first pivotable micromirror on said side face of said micromirror array, said first pivotable micromirror being adapted to be pivoted to redirect the beam of light to propagate substantially parallel to said top face of said micromirror array towards a second pivotable micromirror on said top face of said micromirror array, said second pivotable micromirror being adapted to be pivoted to redirect the beam of light to exit said micromirror array near normal incidence on the bottom of said top face of said micromirror array;
• a sensor array having a sensor under said second pivotable micromirror for receiving said beam of light and emitting fluorescence in response to said received beam of light;
• and
• a photodetector array for receiving said emitted fluorescence from said sensor and measuring said emitted fluorescence.

A method for directing at least one beam of light towards at least one sensor, said method comprising:

• directing said beam of light towards a corner of a micromirror array having a plurality of micromirrors on at least one side face and a top face;
• propagating said beam of light substantially parallel to a first one of said at least one side face;
• pivoting a first pivotable one of said micromirrors on said first side face to redirect said beam of light to propagate said beam of light substantially parallel to said top face;
• and
• pivoting a second pivotable one of said micromirrors on said top face to redirect said beam of light to exit said micromirror array near normal incidence on the bottom of said top face of said micromirror array.