Fluorescence detection assembly
A fluorescence detection assembly that includes an emitter, a detector, a housing that defines an light chamber, a fluorescence chamber and a well, a light path that extends from the emitter, through the light chamber and through the well, and a fluorescence path that extends from the well, through the fluorescence chamber and to the detector.
1. A fluorescence detection assembly, comprising:
an emitter;
a detector aligned with a lens and a filter;
a housing that defines a light chamber, a fluorescence chamber, and a well, wherein:
the emitter is configured to emit light along a light path that extends from the emitter, through the light chamber, and into the well at a first recess; and the detector is configured to detect light along a fluorescence path that extends from a second recess and through the fluorescence chamber, filter, and lens; and the second recess is distinct from the first recess.
2. The fluorescence detection assembly of claim 1 , wherein:
the light bath extends from the second opening and into a light trap; and
the light trap includes a first wall angularly offset from the light path.
3. The fluorescence detection assembly of claim 2 , wherein:
the light trap includes a second wall connected to the first wall; and
the second wall is not perpendicular to the light path.
4. The fluorescence detection assembly of claim 1 , wherein:
the housing comprises an upper housing and a distinct lower housing;
the lower housing includes at least one lower receiver tube;
the upper housing includes at least one upper receiver tube; and
the lower housing is connected to the upper housing by a threaded fastener that extends through the lower and upper receiver tubes.
5. A fluorescence detection assembly, comprising:
an emitter;
a detector;
a housing, comprising:
an upper portion having an upper flange; and
a lower portion having a lower flange, wherein:
the upper flange overlaps the lower flange to couple to upper and lower portions; and
the upper and lower portions cooperate to define a light chamber, a fluorescence chamber, and a well;
a light path that extends from the emitter, through the light chamber, and into the well at a first passage; and
a fluorescence path that extends from a second passage of the well, through the fluorescence chamber, and to the detector, wherein:
the second passage is separate and distinct from the first passage.
6. A fluorescence detection assembly, comprising:
an emitter;
a detector;
a housing comprising upper and lower portions and defining a light chamber, a fluorescence chamber, and an analysis cartridge receiving portion;
an analysis cartridge positioned in the analysis cartridge receiving portion, comprising:
a light entry window;
a light exit window positioned opposite the light entry window; and
a fluorescence window that is separate and distinct from the light entry and exit windows;
a straight light path extending through the light entry and exit windows; and
a fluorescence path extending between the fluorescence path and the detector wherein the straight light path and the fluorescence path are separate and distinct.
7. The fluorescence detection assembly of claim 6 , wherein the light path is perpendicular to the fluorescence path.
8. A fluorescence detection assembly, comprising:
an emitter;
a detector;
a housing that defines an light chamber, a fluorescence chamber, and a well; and
a shroud coupled with the housing at the well and having a funnel portion configured to position an analysis cartridge into the well, wherein:
the shroud and the housing cooperate to define a light entry aperture and a fluorescence aperture;
the emitter is configured to emit light along a linear light path that traverses the emitter, the well, and the light entry aperture; and
the detector is configured to detect light emitting from the fluorescence aperture.
9. A fluorescence detection assembly, comprising:
a housing, comprising:
a light chamber;
a fluorescence chamber;
a well configured to receive an analysis cartridge;
a filter pocket configured to receive a filter; and
a lens pocket configured to receive a lens;
an emitter coupled with the light chamber and configured to emit light along a straight light path in a first direction;
a detector coupled with the fluorescence chamber and configured to receive light emitted from the well along a fluorescence path in a second direction that is transverse from the first direction; and
an array of baffles positioned along the light path between the emitter and the well and having decreasing diameters in a direction toward the well.
10. The fluorescence detection assembly of claim 9 , wherein the housing further comprises a light trap having a first wall that is angled between about 25° and about 45° with respect to the light path.
11. The fluorescence detection assembly of claim 10 , wherein:
the light trap includes a second wall connected to the first wall; and
the second wall is not perpendicular to the light path.
12. The fluorescence detection assembly of claim 9 , wherein the housing further comprises a flange positioned at an interface of the housing.
13. The fluorescence detection assembly of claim 9 , wherein the analysis cartridge includes a light entry window, a light exit window, and a fluorescence window.
14. The fluorescence detection assembly of claim 13 , wherein the light entry window and light exit window are positioned along the first direction.
15. The fluorescence detection assembly of claim 9 , wherein:
the fluorescence detection assembly further comprises a shroud extending into the housing; and
the shroud includes a pocket opening for directing the analysis cartridge into the well.
16. The fluorescence detection assembly of claim 1 , wherein:
the lens is a first lens;
the filter is a first filter; and
the fluorescence detection assembly further comprises a second lens and a second filter positioned along the light path.
17. The fluorescence detection assembly of claim 16 , further comprising an array of baffles positioned along the light path between the emitter and the well and having decreasing diameters in a direction toward the well.
18. The fluorescence detection assembly of claim 1 , wherein:
the housing is comprised of an upper housing portion and a separate lower housing portion; and
the upper and lower housing portions cooperate to define a lens pocket that houses the lens and a filter pocket that houses the filter.