Two-dimensional spectral imaging system

A system for sample analysis, comprising:

• an examination area including a two-dimensional array of examination sites;
• a light detector for imaging;
• a controller operatively coupled to the light detector and configured to process image data collected by the light detector to correct for optical distortion in the image data;
• an optical relay structure that spectrally disperses light received from the examination sites into a corresponding two-dimensional array of spectra directed concurrently onto the light detector in a collectively nonoverlapping relation wherein the optical relay structure includes one or more filters that truncate a portion of each spectra to substantially reduce crosstalk between the spectra of the two-dimensional array when directed concurrently onto the light detector;
• and
• a thermal control system operatively coupled to the examination area for regulating a temperature thereof.

A method of sample analysis, comprising:

• obtaining a two-dimensional array of samples for performing amplification of nucleic acids;
• cycling the samples thermally through a plurality of cycles;
• illuminating each sample of the array concurrently such that the samples emit light;
• directing dispersed light from each sample through at least one filter to a detection area such that a corresponding two-dimensional array of spectra falls concurrently onto the detection area and a portion of each spectra is truncated at the detector, wherein each spectra of the array of the spectra is non-overlapping with the remaining spectra of the array of the spectra;
• monitoring the two-dimensional array of spectra over time;
• and
• determining an aspect of one or more of the samples based on a measurement of the corresponding two-dimensional array of spectra.