Fluorescence reader based on anti-resonant waveguide excitation

A sample detection system comprising:

• an input area configured to receive a sample contained as part of an anti-resonant waveguide;
• a light retention component configured with light reflective material to maintain light within the anti-resonant waveguide;
• a lighting system arrangement positioned to emit light to a location within the input area, the location selected to reflect the light into the sample to operate the anti-resonant waveguide in an anti-resonant mode, the lighting system consisting of at least one diode;
• and
• an analyzing system positioned to detect the interaction of the light propagating in the sample.

A system to analyze a sample comprising:

• a sample including a target analyte, the sample having a first index of refraction;
• a top layer and a substrate surrounding the sample, one of the top layer or the substrate having a tilted end facet for receiving light, the top layer having a second index of refraction and the substrate having a third index of refraction, the second index of refraction and the third index of refraction both greater than the first index of refraction;
• a light source to direct light into the sample via the tilted end facet and generate an anti-resonant guided optical mode in the sample;
• an analyzing system to detect the interaction of the light propagating in the sample with the target analyte;
• and
• a light retention component configured with light reflective material to maintain light within the anti-resonant waveguide.