Systems and methods for fluorescence detection with a movable detection module

A method for detecting the presence of a target molecule in a solution, the method comprising:

• preparing a plurality of samples, each containing a fluorescent probe adapted to bind to a target molecule;
• placing each sample in a respective one of a plurality of sample wells of a thermal cycler instrument, the thermal cycler instrument having a detection module movably mounted therein, the detection module including a plurality of excitation/detection pairs, each excitation/detection pair including an excitation light generator disposed within the detection module and an emission light detector disposed within the detection module;
• stimulating a reaction using the thermal cycler instrument;
• and
• scanning the plurality of sample wells to detect a fluorescent response by moving the detection module and activating at least a first one of the plurality of excitation/detection pairs,
• wherein during the step of scanning, the detection module is moved such that one or more of the excitation/detection pairs is sequentially positioned in optical communication with each of the plurality of sample wells.