Apparatus and method for imaging

A cassette for use with an imaging apparatus, the cassette comprising:

• an optical element including a prism and a slide having a reflective surface to allow formation thereon of a specimen array, the optical element being configured to direct a light beam from a light source to the reflective surface, such that a reflection of the light beam at the reflective surface generates an evanescent field in the vicinity of the specimen array;
• and
• a locating portion coupled to the optical element, the locating portion engageable with a mating locating element of a two-dimensional array detector adapted for providing an image based on spatially distributed polarization changes in the light beam.

An optical assembly for use with an imaging apparatus, the optical assembly comprising:

• an optical element comprising a reflective surface to allow formation thereon of a specimen array, to optical element being configured to direct a light beam from a light source to the reflective surface, such that a reflection of the light beam at the reflective surface generates an evanescent field in the vicinity of the specimen array;
• and
• a locating portion coupled to the optical element, the locating portion engageable with a mating locating element of a processing assembly.