Apparatus and methods for thermal cycling of sample
This disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for thermally cycling a sample. Particular embodiments comprise a first pivot arm configured to pivot around a first pivot axis; a second pivot arm configured to pivot around a second pivot axis; a first thermal mass and a second thermal mass coupled to the first pivot arm; and a third thermal mass and a fourth thermal mass coupled to the second pivot arm, wherein the first and third thermal masses are proximal to the sample when the first and second pivot arms are in a first position, and the second and fourth thermal masses are proximal to the sample when the first and second pivot arms are in a second position.
1. An apparatus for thermal cycling, the apparatus comprising:
a first thermal mass;
a second thermal mass;
a retaining member;
a sample module;
at least one actuator;
and a
controller, wherein:
the controller is configured to control the at least one actuator;
the actuator is configured to move the first thermal mass and the second thermal mass from a first position to a second position;
the first thermal mass and the second thermal mass are in contact with the sample module in the first position;
the first thermal mass and the second thermal mass are not in contact with the sample module in the second position;
the retaining member is configured to retain the sample module in a fixed position as the as the actuator moves the first thermal mass and the second thermal mass from the first position to the second position; and
the sample module comprises:
a core layer;
a first film bonded to the core layer;
a second film bonded to the core layer;
an inlet;
a channel in fluid communication with the inlet;
a plurality of sample chambers in fluid communication with the channel; and
a plurality of air spring chambers containing air.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of air spring chambers is configured such that the air contained in the plurality of air spring chambers is compressed by a flow of fluid from the channel into the plurality of sample chambers.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the core layer has a thickness of about 0.5 millimeters (mm) to 1.5 mm.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the first film has a thickness of 10 micrometers (μm) to 30 μm.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the second film has a thickness of 10 μm to 30 μm.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first film is sufficiently flexible to conform to a first surface of the first thermal mass and the second film is sufficiently flexible to conform to a second surface of the second thermal mass.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:
the retaining member comprises a detection module;
each sample chamber of the plurality of sample chambers has a length and a width, wherein the length is greater than the width; and
the detection module is configured to detect a response signal through an edge of the core layer and parallel to the length of each sample chamber of the plurality of sample chambers.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the retaining member comprises an illumination module and a detection module.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein:
each sample chamber of the plurality of sample chambers has a length and a width, wherein the length is greater than the width;
the illumination module is configured to emit an excitation signal parallel to the length of each sample chamber of the plurality of sample chambers; and
the detection module is configured to detect a response signal parallel to the length of each sample chamber of the plurality of sample chambers.
10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the illumination module comprises a plurality of illumination elements, and wherein each illumination element is configured to illuminate a sample chamber of the plurality of sample chambers.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the plurality of illumination elements comprises light emitting diodes (LEDs).
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:
the plurality of sample chambers comprises a first sample chamber;
the plurality of air spring chambers comprises a first air spring chamber; and
the first sample chamber and the first air spring chamber form a “U” shape comprising a first arm and a second arm.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the air spring chamber is configured such that the air contained in the air spring chamber is compressed by a flow of a sample from the first arm to the second arm.