Apparatus for stabilizing mechanical, thermal, and optical properties and for reducing the fluorescence of biological samples for optical evaluation

An apparatus for stabilizing an optical, thermal, and mechanical interface between a spectroscopic and/or imaging system and a biological sample, the apparatus comprising:

• a window retainer comprising a retainer surface and a well, the retainer surface surrounding the well, wherein the retainer surface intersects a first plane at a first point on the retainer surface in closest proximity to the biological sample;
• an optical window located in the well, the optical window comprising a first and second surface, wherein the second surface is in contact with the window retainer, and wherein the first surface is curved and intersects a second plane at a second point on the first surface, where the second plane is substantially flush with the first plane;
• and
• an attachment mechanism coupling the window retainer to the biological sample such that a fluid, gel, adhesive or elastomer interposed between the optical window and the biological sample is trapped in the well.