Light energy exciter

Abstract

Embodiments herein relate to combinations for light energy excitation. According to one example, light energy may be directed toward a detector surface that may support a biological or chemical sample.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 63 / 381,225, entitled “Light Energy Exciter,” filed on October 27, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Embodiments herein relate to light energy, and in particular to combinations for light energy excitation.

[0004] Various protocols in biological or chemical research involve performing controlled reactions. The specified reactions can then be observed or detected, and subsequent analysis can help identify or reveal the identity of the chemicals involved in the reactions.

[0005] In some multiplex assays, an unknown analyte with an identifiable label (e.g., a fluorescent label) can be exposed to thousands of known probes under controlled conditions. Each known probe can be placed in a corresponding well of a microplate. Any chemical reaction occurring between the known probe and the unknown analyte in the observation well can help identify or reveal the characteristics of the analyte. Other examples of such schemes include known DNA sequencing processes, such as sequencing by synthesis (SBS) or cycle array sequencing.

[0006] In some fluorescence detection schemes, an optical system is used to direct excitation light to a fluorophore (e.g., a fluorescently labeled analyte) and also to detect fluorescent emission signal light that may benefit from the analyte having an attached fluorophore. However, such optical systems may be relatively expensive and may involve a larger benchtop footprint. For example, the optical system may include an arrangement of lenses, filters, and light sources.

[0007] In other proposed detection systems, the controlled reaction in the flow cell is defined by a solid-state light sensor array (e.g., a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) detector or a charge coupled device (CCD) detector). These systems do not involve large optical components for detecting fluorescent emission. Summary of the invention

[0008] Embodiments herein relate to combinations for light energy excitation.According to one example, light energy can be directed toward a detector surface that can support a biological or chemical sample.

[0009]

[0013] Described herein are light energy stimulators, which may include one or more light sources. The light energy stimulator may emit excitation light that is directed toward a detector surface that may support a biological or chemical sample.

[0010] The present invention describes a system, comprising: a light energy stimulator, which includes: a plurality of light sources; a light pipe, which is used to homogenize the excitation light from the light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the light source, and the light pipe includes a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the light source; a second light pipe, which is used to homogenize the excitation light from the second light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the second light source, and the second light pipe includes a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the second light source; a detector, which includes: a detector surface, which is used to support a biological or chemical sample; and a sensor array, which includes light sensors spaced apart from the detector surface, wherein the detector receives the excitation light from the light energy stimulator and emits signal light; a mounting assembly, which is used to mount the light pipe and the second light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly aligns the light pipe with the light source and aligns the second light pipe with the second light source.

[0011] The present invention describes a light energy stimulator, comprising: a light source group, which is used to emit excitation light; and a light pipe, which homogenizes the excitation light and guides the excitation light toward the distal end of the light energy stimulator, the light pipe comprising a light incident surface and a light exit surface, and the light pipe receives the excitation light from the light source group.

[0012] The present invention describes a system, comprising: a light energy exciter, the light energy exciter comprising: a plurality of light sources; a light pipe, the light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the light source, the light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the light source; a second light pipe, the second light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a second light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the second light source, the second light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the second light source; a third light pipe, the third light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a third light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the second light source, the third light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from The invention relates to a method for transmitting the excitation light from the third light source to the optical fiber of the optical fiber. The method comprises: providing a first optical fiber for transmitting the excitation light from the optical fiber to the optical fiber of the optical fiber; a second optical fiber for transmitting the excitation light from the optical fiber; a first optical fiber for transmitting the excitation light from ... second optical fiber for transmitting the excitation light from the optical fiber; a first optical fiber for transmitting the excitation light from the optical fiber; a second optical fiber for transmitting the excitation light from the optical fiber; a second optical fiber for transmitting the excitation light from the optical fiber; a second optical fiber for transmitting the excitation light from the optical fiber; a second optical fiber for transmitting the excitation light from the optical fiber; a second optical fiber for transmitting the excitation light from the optical fiber; a second optical fiber for transmitting the excitation light from the optical fiber; a second optical fiber for transmitting the excitation light from the optical fiber; a second optical fiber for transmitting the

[0013] This article describes a method, including: emitting excitation light through a light energy exciter, wherein the light energy exciter includes a group of light sources and a second group of light sources, the group of light sources is used to emit excitation light in a first wavelength emission band, and the second group of light sources is used to emit excitation light in a second wavelength emission band; receiving the excitation light and emission signal light generated by the excitation of the excitation light through a detector, the detector includes a detector surface for supporting a biological or chemical sample and a sensor array spaced apart from the detector surface, the detector blocks the excitation light and allows the emission signal light to propagate toward a light sensor of the sensor array; and transmitting a data signal through a circuit of the detector depending on the photons sensed by the light sensor of the sensor array.

[0014] The present invention describes a system comprising: a light energy stimulator, the light energy stimulator comprising: a light pipe, the light pipe is used to homogenize the excitation light from the light source group and guide the excitation light from the light source group, the light pipe comprises a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the light source group; a second light pipe, the second light pipe is used to homogenize the excitation light from the second light source group and guide the excitation light from the second light source group, the second light pipe comprises a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the second light source group; and a detector, the detector comprising: a detector surface, the detector surface is used to support a biological or chemical sample; and a sensor array, the sensor array comprises light sensors spaced apart from the detector surface, wherein the detector receives the excitation light from the light energy stimulator and emits signal light.

[0015] The present invention describes a system, including: a light energy exciter, the light energy exciter including: a light pipe, the light pipe is used to homogenize the excitation light from the light source group and guide the excitation light from the light source group, the light pipe includes a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the light source group; a second light pipe, the second light pipe is used to homogenize the excitation light from the second light source group and guide the excitation light from the second light source group, the second light pipe includes a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the second light source group, wherein the light source group is mounted on an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source group is mounted on a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area is spaced apart from the first area, wherein the second area and the first area are the printed circuit board having a surface modification. A surface modified region of a circuit board, characterized in that one or more layers of the printed circuit board are removed; and a detector, the detector comprising: a detector surface, the detector surface being used to support a biological or chemical sample; and a sensor array, the sensor array comprising a light sensor spaced apart from the detector surface, wherein the detector receives excitation light and emission signal light from the light energy exciter, wherein the outgoing light of the optical conduit and the second optical conduit is typically received by a lens, the lens shaping the outgoing light to project a light pattern and a second light pattern onto a camera integrated circuit having a detector and a second detector, wherein the light pattern is projected by the lens onto the detector surface of the detector, and wherein the second light pattern is projected by the lens onto the second detector surface of the second detector.

[0016] A mounting assembly is described herein, comprising: a light pipe mount for mounting a light pipe relative to a light source; and a second light pipe mount for mounting a second light pipe relative to a second light source.

[0017] A mounting assembly is described herein, comprising: a structural member carrying a light pipe; and a second structural member carrying a second light pipe.

[0018] It should be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and the additional concepts discussed in more detail below (assuming such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of the claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] These and other features, aspects, benefits and advantages set forth herein will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0020] Figure 1A is a schematic side view block diagram of a system for performing a biological or chemical test having a light energy exciter and a detector assembly having a detector according to one example;

[0021] Figure 1B Based on an example Figure 1A A schematic top view of the detector is shown;

[0022] Figure 1C is a schematic side view of a detector having a plurality of light sensor arrays according to one example;

[0023] Figure 1D Based on an example Figure 1C Schematic top view of a detector;

[0024] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a light energy exciter according to an example;

[0025] Figure 3 is an example based on an example Figure 2 A light trajectory diagram of light propagation in a light energy exciter;

[0026] Figure 4 depicts a light source group including a light source provided by a plurality of LEDs disposed on a printed circuit board according to one example;

[0027] Figure 5A is a side view of a light source provided by a plurality of LED surfaces coupled to a light incident surface of a light pipe according to one example;

[0028] Figure 5B depicts light sources connected in parallel according to one example;

[0029] Figure 5C depicts light sources connected in series according to one example;

[0030] Figure 5Dis a side schematic diagram of an LED having an anode connected to a metal core layer of a printed circuit board according to one example;

[0031] Figure 5E is a side schematic diagram of a flip chip LED connected to a printed circuit board according to one example;

[0032] Fig. 5F is a top view of an LED mounted to a printed circuit board according to one example;

[0033] Figure 5G is a top schematic diagram of a flip chip LED mounted to a printed circuit board;

[0034] Figure 5H are side top and bottom views of an LED according to an example;

[0035] Fig.5I are top and bottom views of an LED according to an example;

[0036] Figure 5J is a heat dissipation diagram of a vertical LED according to an example;

[0037] Figure 5K is a heat dissipation diagram of a flip chip LED according to an example;

[0038] Figure 5L depicts a light source group attached to a light pipe according to one example;

[0039] Figure 6 is a perspective schematic diagram of a light energy exciter according to an example;

[0040] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a light energy exciter according to an example;

[0041] Fig. 8A is an assembly diagram of a light energy exciter according to an example;

[0042] Figure 8B is an assembly diagram of a light energy exciter according to an example;

[0043] Figure 8C is an assembly diagram of a light energy exciter according to an example;

[0044] Fig.8D is an assembly diagram of a light energy exciter according to an example;

[0045] Fig. 8E is an assembly diagram of a light energy exciter according to an example;

[0046] Figure 8F is an assembly diagram of a light energy exciter according to an example;

[0047] Figure 8G is an assembly diagram of a light energy exciter according to an example;

[0048] Figure 8H is an assembly diagram of a light energy exciter according to an example;

[0049] Figure 8I is a ray tracing diagram illustrating the operation of a light energy exciter having a first light pipe and a second light pipe according to one example;

[0050] Fig.9A is an assembly diagram of a light pipe mounting according to an example;

[0051] Fig. 9B is an assembly diagram of a light pipe mounting according to an example;

[0052] Fig. 9C is an assembly diagram of a light pipe mounting according to an example;

[0053] Fig.9D is an assembly diagram of a light pipe mounting according to an example;

[0054] Fig.9E is an assembly diagram of a light pipe mounting according to an example;

[0055] Fig.9F is an assembly diagram of a light pipe mounting according to an example;

[0056] Figure 9G is an assembly diagram of a light pipe mounting according to an example;

[0057] Figure 9H is an assembly diagram of a light pipe mounting assembly according to one example;

[0058] Fig.9I is an assembly diagram of a light pipe mounting assembly according to one example;

[0059] Figure 9J is an assembly diagram of a light pipe mounting assembly according to one example;

[0060] Figure 9K is an assembly diagram of a light pipe mounting assembly according to one example;

[0061] Fig.10 is an assembled perspective view of a flow cell frame accommodating a flow cell according to an example;

[0062] Fig.11 is an interior view of a detector assembly cartridge defining registration features for aligning a light energy stimulator that can be coupled and aligned thereto according to one example;

[0063] Fig.12 is a top view of a flow cell defined relative to a detector provided by an integrated circuit according to one example;

[0064] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a detector provided by an integrated circuit having an array of light sensors and an array of alignment light guides according to one example;

[0065] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a detector provided by an integrated circuit having an array of light sensors and an alignment light guide according to one example;

[0066] Fig.15 is a schematic diagram of a process control system according to an example;

[0067] Fig.16 is a spectral profile coordination diagram depicting spectral profiles of a plurality of light energy excitation light sources and a plurality of fluorophores that can be excited by using the excitation light sources according to one example;

[0068] Fig.17 is a flow chart depicting a process that may be used to support a DNA sequencing process for DNA sequence reconstruction according to one example;

[0069] Fig.18 is a timing diagram illustrating the timing between light source groups according to one example;

[0070] Fig.19 is a timing diagram illustrating heat removal from an LED according to one example;

[0071] Fig. 20 is a flow chart depicting a method that can be used to support a DNA sequencing process for DNA sequence reconstruction according to one example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] exist Figure 1A In FIG. 1 , a system 100 for analysis such as biological analysis or chemical analysis is shown. The system 100 may include a light energy exciter 10 and a detector assembly 20.

[0073] The detector assembly 20 (sometimes referred to as a flow cell) can include a detector 200 and a flow channel 282, which can be at least partially defined by the detector 200. The detector 200 can include: a plurality of light sensors 202, which can be provided by sensing photodiodes; and a detector surface 206, which is used to support a sample 502 such as a biological or chemical sample to be tested. The sidewall 284 and flow cover 288 and the detector 200 with the detector surface 206 can define and define the flow channel 282. The detector surface 206 can have an associated detector surface plane 130.

[0074] The detector 200 may include a plurality of light guides 214 that receive excitation light and emission signal light generated by excitation by the excitation light from the detector surface 206. The light guides 214 may guide light from the detector surface 206. The light guides 214 extend toward the respective light sensors 202 and may include a filter material that substantially blocks the excitation light and substantially allows the emission signal light to propagate toward the respective light sensors.

[0075] The light energy exciter 10 may be activated to emit excitation light 101 so as to excite the fluorophores already attached to the sample 502. When excited by the excitation light 101, the fluorophores attached to the sample 502 may fluoresce to radiate emission signal light 501 having a wavelength range different from the wavelength range of the excitation light 101 (e.g., a wavelength longer than the wavelength range of the excitation light 101). The presence or absence of the emission signal light 501 may indicate a characteristic of the sample 502. The light guide 214 according to an example may filter light within the wavelength range of the excitation light 101 transmitted by the light energy exciter 10, so that the light sensor 202 does not obviously detect the excitation light 101 as the emission signal light 501.

[0076] The examples described herein improve the irradiance (radiant flux received by the surface per unit area) of the detector surface 206 in various configurations of the photoenergizer 10. In one example, the photoenergizer 10 can feature light sources connected in parallel, where the anodes of the light sources are typically connected to a metal core layer of a printed circuit board. Such examples can feature improved heat removal due to the reduced thermal resistance of the printed circuit board. The examples herein recognize that, to the extent that heat can be removed from the light source, the light source can be overdriven for improved irradiance, i.e., driven at a current higher than the rated maximum current of the light source.

[0077] In another example, the light energy exciter 10 can feature light sources connected in series. When the light sources are connected in series, they are excited by a common current, resulting in improved irradiance uniformity. In one example, the light energy exciter 10 can feature a flip chip LED. Flip chip LEDs can facilitate surface coupling of light pipes to LEDs to reduce light losses. In some examples, the use of flip chips can facilitate improved LED density per unit area. In a flip chip LED configuration, thermal resistance can be reduced by using ceramic insulators, which can improve the ability to overdrive the LED to improve irradiance.

[0078] Features for improving irradiance may include features for improved alignment of optical components. In one example, a mounting assembly for mounting a light guide may be provided. The mounting assembly may facilitate independent mounting of a first light guide and a second light guide. The mounting assembly may feature removable mounting of the first light guide and the second light guide. The mounting assembly may feature a separation distance between the light source group and the light guide so that alignment may be independent of light source height manufacturing tolerances. The mounting assembly may feature a reduced point of contact with the light guide to reduce light loss. In one example, the mounting assembly contacts the light guide only on a single side, and in some cases contacts the light guide only at a single point of contact on a single side.

[0079] Features for improving irradiance may include features for heat removal that employ timing coordination between light sources. In one example, common wavelength light sources of different light source groups may be differentiated in time.

[0080] According to one example, the detector 200 may be provided by a solid-state integrated circuit detector, such as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuit detector or a charge coupled device (CCD) integrated circuit detector.

[0081] According to one example, each optical sensor 202 may be aligned with a corresponding light guide 214 and a corresponding reaction recess 210 such that the longitudinal axis 268 extends through the cross-sectional geometric center of the optical sensor 202, the light guide 214, and the reaction recess 210. The flow channel 282 may be defined by the detector surface 206, the sidewall 284, and the flow cover 288. The flow cover 288 may be a light-transmitting cover to transmit the excitation light provided by the light energy exciter 10.

[0082] In another aspect, the detector 200 may include a dielectric stack region 218 in the middle of the light guide 214. The dielectric stack region 218 may have circuitry formed therein, such as for readout, digitization, storage, and / or processing of signals from the light sensor 202.

[0083] The system 100 may include an inlet aperture 289 through which fluid may enter the flow channel 282 and an outlet aperture 290 through which fluid may exit the flow channel 282. The inlet aperture 289 and the outlet aperture 290 may be defined by a flow cover 288.

[0084] According to one example, the system 100 can be used to perform biological or chemical tests using fluorophores. For example, an inlet hole 289 and an outlet hole 290 can be used to cause a fluid having one or more fluorophores to flow into and out of the flow channel 282 through the inlet hole. The fluorophores can attract various samples 502, and thus, through their detection, the fluorophores can serve as markers for the samples 502 (e.g., the biological or chemical analytes they attract).

[0085] In order to detect the presence of the fluorophore within the flow channel 282, the light energy exciter 10 may be activated so that excitation light 101 within the excitation wavelength range is emitted by the light energy exciter 10. Upon receiving the excitation light, the fluorophore attached to the sample 502 may radiate emission signal light 501, which is a signal of interest for detection by the light sensor 202. The emission signal light 501 generated due to the fluorescence of the fluorophore attached to the sample 502 may have a wavelength range that is red-shifted relative to the wavelength range of the excitation light 101.

[0086] The system 100 in the test support system area 300 may include a process control system 310, a fluid control system 320, a fluid storage system 330, and a user interface 340 that allows an operator to enter input for controlling the system 100. The process control system 310 according to one example may be provided by a processor-based system. The process control system 310 may run various biological or chemical processes (such as a DNA sequence reconstruction process). According to one example, for the operation of the biological or chemical process, the process control system 310 may send coordinated control signals to, for example, the light energy exciter 10, the detector 200, and / or the fluid control system 320. The fluid storage system 330 may store the fluid flowing through the flow channel 282.

[0087] According to one example, the light energy exciter 10 may include one or more light sources. According to one example, the light energy exciter 10 may include one or more light shaping elements. The light energy exciter 10 may include one or more optical components for guiding light emitted from the one or more light sources for shaping the light emission. The one or more optical components may include, for example, one or more light pipes, lenses, wedges, prisms, reflectors, filters, gratings, collimators, or any combination thereof.

[0088] Figure 2 A light energizer 10 according to one example is illustrated. The light energizer 10 may include a light source bank 1002 having one or more light sources (eg, light sources 102A-102Z), and various optical elements for directing light along an optical axis 106 (which is a fold axis in the example shown).

[0089] The light energy exciter 10 may include a light pipe 110 and a lens 114 for shaping the excitation light transmitted through the light pipe 110. The light pipe 110 and the lens 114 may have a cross-sectional geometric center centered on the optical axis 106.

[0090] The light pipe 110 may include a light incident surface 109 and a light exit surface 111. The excitation light 101 emitted from the light source group 1002 may enter the light incident surface 109 of the light pipe 110 and may exit the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe. By having a refractive index selected to provide internal reflection, the light pipe 110 may reflect the received light received from the light source group 1002 in various directions to homogenize the light, so that the exit light transmitted through the light pipe 110 is uniform. Therefore, even in the case where the light sources of the light source group 1002 may have "hot spots" or are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the light pipe 110 or have other irregularities, uniform light can be generated at the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110.

[0091] By having a refractive index selected to provide internal reflection, light pipe 110 can confine the excitation light it receives and transmits to a volumetric region bounded by the sidewall surfaces defining light pipe 110. Light pipe 110 can be formed of a uniform light-transmissive material such as polycarbonate or silica glass.

[0092] According to one example, the light pipe 110 may be a tapered configuration defined by a diameter that increases throughout its length in a direction from the light incident surface 109 to the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110. According to one example, the light pipe 110 may be a tapered configuration defined by a diameter that increases linearly throughout its length in a direction from the light incident surface 109 to the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110.

[0093] According to one example, the light energy exciter 10 can be configured such that the lens 114 images the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110 onto the image plane 130, and according to one example, the system 100 can be configured such that the image plane 130 coincides with the detector surface 206, which can be configured to support the sample 502 (such as a DNA fragment). By imaging the object plane onto the image plane, the lens 114 can project an image of the homogenized light present at the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110 onto the sample support detector surface 206 of the detector 200 ( Figure 1A ).

[0094] The examples herein recognize that, although the light source group 1002 may be selected such that the excitation light emitted from the light source group 1002 does not include fluorescence range light, fluorescence range light may still radiate within the light energy exciter 10 due to autofluorescence. In another aspect, the light energy exciter 10 may include a short pass filter 122 to filter fluorescence range wavelengths radiated from within the light energy exciter 10 due to autofluorescence, such as from the lens 114, the light pipe 110, and the reflector 118, as well as other surfaces of the light energy exciter 10.

[0095] The light energy stimulator 10 may include a light reflector 118 for folding the optical axis 106 so that the optical axis 106 changes direction from a first direction in which the optical axis 106 extends parallel to the reference Y axis shown to a second direction in which the optical axis 106 extends parallel to the reference Z axis shown. The light energy stimulator 10 may include a window 126 having a cross-sectional center centered on the optical axis 106 and a housing 134 and a housing 134 for folding the optical axis 106 in a specific spatial relationship (such as Figure 1A Other supporting components that support various optical components (with specific spatial relationships depicted in FIG).

[0096] exist Figure 3 It is shown in Figure 2 The light trajectory diagram of the light energy exciter 10 in the example. Figure 3 As shown in the ray tracing diagram, the lens 114 can image the object plane 112, which can be defined at the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110, onto the image plane 130, which can be located at the detector surface 206, which can be suitable for supporting a biological or chemical sample. Figure 3 As can be seen from the ray tracing diagram, the light rays exiting the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110 may be divergent rays that diverge at a divergence angle that is sufficiently limited so that most of the light rays exiting the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110 are received by the light incident surface of the lens 114. The examples herein recognize that while light pipes may be used for the purpose of homogenizing light, they are capable of transmitting exit light rays that exit at a large maximum divergence angle (e.g., close to 90°).

[0097] Examples herein recognize that, for example, where the light pipe 110 is alternatively configured to have a uniform diameter (i.e., a non-tapered diameter), a substantial percentage of exiting light rays exiting the light pipe 110 may exit the light exit surface 111 at a sufficiently large divergence angle that the exiting light rays may not be collected by the light entrance surface 113 of the lens 114. Examples herein recognize that providing the light pipe 110 in a tapered configuration (tapering along its length and having a geometric cross-sectional center centered at the optical axis 106 and including an appropriate refractive index) provides reflections within the light pipe 110 such that light exiting light rays exiting the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110 exit the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110 at angles that are reduced relative to the 90° maximum divergence angle.

[0098] In reference Figure 2 and Figure 3In the described example, the outgoing light rays exiting the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110 may define a divergent light cone 1100 having light rays diverging at angles ranging from zero degrees to a maximum divergence angle relative to a reference light ray extending from the light exit surface in a direction parallel to the optical axis 106. The defined divergent light cone 1100 may diverge at a maximum divergence angle relative to the optical axis 106. According to an example, the maximum divergence angle is a divergence angle designed such that most of the outgoing light rays exiting the light exit surface 111 are collected by the light incident surface of the lens 114. According to an example, the light energy exciter 10 is configured such that the light excitation light rays exiting the exit surface 111 diverge at a maximum divergence angle relative to a reference light ray extending from the light exit surface in a direction parallel to the optical axis 106, the maximum divergence angle being small enough to ensure collection by the light incident surface 113 of the lens 114.

[0099] According to one example, the light energy exciter 10 may be configured such that the exiting light rays exiting the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110 define a divergent light cone 1100 having light rays diverging at angles ranging from zero degrees to a maximum divergence angle relative to a reference light ray extending from the light exit surface in a direction parallel to the optical axis 106, wherein the light pipe 110 is configured such that the maximum divergence angle is about 60 degrees or less. According to one example, the light energy exciter 10 is configured such that the exiting light rays exiting the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110 define a divergent light cone 1100 having light rays diverging at angles ranging from zero degrees to a maximum divergence angle relative to a reference light ray extending from the light exit surface in a direction parallel to the optical axis 106, wherein the light pipe 110 is configured such that the maximum divergence angle is about 50 degrees or less. According to one example, the light energy exciter 10 is configured such that the exiting light rays exiting the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110 define a divergent light cone 1100 having light rays diverging at angles ranging from zero degrees to a maximum divergence angle relative to a reference light ray extending from the light exit surface in a direction parallel to the optical axis 106, wherein the light pipe 110 is configured such that the maximum divergence angle is about 40 degrees or less. According to one example, the light energy exciter 10 is configured such that the exiting light rays exiting the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110 define a divergent light cone 1100 having light rays diverging at angles ranging from zero degrees to a maximum divergence angle relative to a reference light ray extending from the light exit surface in a direction parallel to the optical axis 106, wherein the light pipe 110 is configured such that the maximum divergence angle is about 35 degrees or less. According to one example, the light energy exciter 10 is configured such that outgoing light rays exiting a light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110 define a divergent light cone 1100 having light rays diverging at angles ranging from zero degrees to a maximum divergence angle relative to a reference light ray extending from the light exit surface in a direction parallel to the optical axis 106, wherein the light pipe 110 is configured such that the maximum divergence angle is approximately 30 degrees or less.

[0100] To provide imaging functionality, lens 114 may focus the received excitation light transmitted through light pipe 110. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the depicted example, the outgoing light rays exiting the light exit surface 115 of the lens 114 may define a converging light cone 1400 having light rays converging at angles ranging from zero degrees to a maximum convergence angle relative to a reference light ray extending from the light exit surface in a direction parallel to the optical axis 106, wherein the lens 114 is configured such that the maximum convergence angle is about 60 degrees or less. The defined converging light cone 1400 may converge at the maximum convergence angle relative to the optical axis 106. At the reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the depicted example, the exiting light rays exiting the light exit surface 115 of the lens 114 may define a converging light cone 1400 having light rays converging at angles ranging from zero degrees to a maximum convergence angle relative to a reference ray extending from the light exit surface in a direction parallel to the optical axis 106, wherein the lens 114 is configured such that the maximum convergence angle is about 50 degrees or less. In the reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the depicted example, the exiting light rays exiting the light exit surface 115 of the lens 114 may define a converging light cone 1400 having light rays converging at angles ranging from zero degrees to a maximum convergence angle relative to a reference ray extending from the light exit surface in a direction parallel to the optical axis 106, wherein the lens 114 is configured such that the maximum convergence angle is about 40 degrees or less. In the reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the depicted example, the exiting light rays exiting the light exit surface 115 of the lens 114 may define a converging light cone 1400 having light rays converging at angles ranging from zero degrees to a maximum convergence angle relative to a reference ray extending from the light exit surface in a direction parallel to the optical axis 106, wherein the lens 114 is configured such that the maximum convergence angle is about 35 degrees or less. In the reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the described example, outgoing light rays exiting the light exit surface 115 of the lens 114 may define a converging light cone 1400 having light rays converging at angles ranging from zero degrees to a maximum convergence angle relative to a reference light ray extending from the light exit surface in a direction parallel to the optical axis 106, wherein the lens 114 is configured such that the maximum convergence angle is approximately 30 degrees or less.

[0101] Figure 4 A light source group 1002 according to one example is illustrated. The light source group 1002 may include one or more light sources. According to one example, the one or more light sources may be provided by one or more electroluminescence-based light sources, such as light emitting diodes, light emitting electrochemical cells, electroluminescent wires, or lasers, or any combination thereof. Figure 4In the example described in , the light source group 1002 may include a plurality of light sources 102A-102J provided by a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). In the described example, the light sources 102A-102G may be green LEDs that emit excitation light in a green wavelength band, and the light sources 102H-102J may be blue LEDs that emit excitation light in a blue wavelength band. According to one example, the light sources 102A-102J provided by the LEDs may be disposed on the printed circuit board 1020. In operation of the system 100, the process control system 310 may control the excitation of the light sources 102A-102J provided by the LEDs so that one or more LEDs of a particular emission band are selectively activated at a particular time. According to one example, the light sources 102A-102J may be provided by surface emitting LEDs. LEDs (such as surface emitting LEDs) may have an emission pattern that associates a light angle with a light intensity. The LED emission pattern may be a function of parameters such as die geometry, die window, and refractive index of a light shaping material. According to one example, the emission pattern may be Lambertian, ie providing that the intensity is proportional to the cosine of the emission angle relative to the normal. As shown in the overall view, the printed circuit board 1020 may extend in a plane.

[0102] For example, the process control system 310 may only excite the light sources 102A-102G provided by the green LEDs during a first exposure period of the detector 200 in which the light sensor 202 is exposed, and may only excite the light sources 102H-102J provided by the blue LEDs during a second exposure period of the detector 200 in which the light sensor 202 is exposed. Providing the light source group 1002 to emit at two independently selectable peak wavelengths facilitates dye chemistry processes, which can use both green (532nm) and blue (470nm) excitation. According to one example, the light source group 1002 may include light sources, such as red LEDs disposed on the printed circuit board 1020 that emit at a red band center wavelength (e.g., red: 630nm). According to one example, providing red illumination facilitates additional testing and calibration processes.

[0103] refer to Figure 4 It can be seen that the light sources defining light source group 1002 need not be arranged symmetrically and evenly or according to any ordered configuration. Figure 4In the particular configuration shown, where light sources 102A-102G provided by green LEDs are selectively energized while light sources 102H-102J provided by blue LEDs are maintained in a de-energized state, a greater percentage of the energized light will enter the light pipe 110 through the left side of the light incident surface 109 of the light pipe 110, and when light sources 102H-102J provided by blue LEDs are selectively energized while green LEDs are maintained in a de-energized state, a greater percentage of the energized light will enter the light pipe through the right side of the light incident surface 109 of the light pipe 110. Nevertheless, regardless of the arrangement of the light sources of the light source group 1002, the light pipe 110, through its light reflective properties, homogenizes the unbalanced incident received light to produce homogenized light at the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110. The refractive index of the light pipe 110 can be selected so that the light from the light source group 1002 exhibits total internal reflection (TIR) ​​within the light pipe 110, so that uniform (uniform) illumination is achieved at the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110.

[0104] like Figure 5A As shown, the light source bank 1002 can be coupled to the light pipe 110 in a manner to ensure reduced light loss. Figure 5A In the arrangement depicted, there is shown to be arranged in Figure 4 A side view of an LED on a printed circuit board 1020 in FIG. Figure 5A In the side view depicted in FIG. 1 , light sources 102A, 102C, and 102E provided by LEDs are shown corresponding to light sources 102A, 102C, and 102E, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The light sources 102A-102J may be provided by Figure 5A The depicted LED provides a flat planar light emitting surface. Figure 5A , the flat planar light emitting surfaces of the light sources 102A-102J provided by the LEDs (wherein the light sources 102A, 102C and 102E are shown in a side view) are surface coupled (butt-coupled) to the light incident surface 109 of the light pipe 110. The light incident surface 109, similar to the emitting surfaces of the light sources 102A-102J provided by the LEDs, can be flat and planar to ensure low light loss when the light sources 102A-102J provided by the LEDs are surface coupled to the light incident surface 109. By using Figure 5A The surface coupling depicted in can achieve a coupling efficiency that specifies the efficiency of LED light transmission through the light pipe 110 as 90% or greater, and according to one example as 98% or greater, which compares favorably to the coupling efficiency of the light source into the lens (where the coupling efficiency depends on the numerical aperture of the lens).

[0105] Further references Figure 5AIt can be seen that the entire front surface of each corresponding light source 102A-102J provided by the LED is opposite to the light incident surface 109 of the light pipe 110, thereby ensuring that most of the excitation light emitted by the light source 102A-102J provided by the LED is received by the light incident surface 109 of the light pipe 110.

[0106] The light source groups 1002 can be connected in various configurations. Figure 5B illustrates a group of light sources 1002 connected in a parallel electrical connection configuration, and Figure 5C A group of light sources 1002 connected in a series electrical connection configuration is illustrated. Figure 5B In FIG. 1 , the light sources defining light source group 1002 are generally labeled as light sources 102. Figure 5C In FIG. 1 , the light sources defining light source group 1002 are also generally labeled as light sources 102. Figure 5B and Figure 5C In the embodiment, the light source 102 may be provided by an LED.

[0107] exist Figure 5B In a parallel electrical connection configuration, the anode of each corresponding light source 102 may be connected to the positive terminal voltage of the power supply 1210, and the cathode of each corresponding light source 102 may be connected to the negative terminal voltage of the power supply 1210. The power supply 1210 may be configured as a current regulator. Figure 5C In a series connection configuration, the anode of the first light source 102 defining the series connection of light sources may be connected to the positive terminal voltage of the power supply 1210, and the cathode of the last series connected light source 102 may be connected to the negative terminal voltage of the power supply 1210. The power supply 1210 may be configured as a current regulator. In the case where the power supply 1210 drives an LED, the power supply 1210 may be considered an LED driver.

[0108] Figure 5B Parallel electrical connection configuration and Figure 5C Each of the series electrical connection configurations may provide various advantages, and each may be preferred depending on the specific application and design goals.

[0109] In one aspect, the examples herein recognize that for Figure 5B As shown in the parallel electrical connection configuration, the printed circuit board 1020 can be provided by a metal core printed circuit board (MCPCB). An MCPCB is a printed circuit board that includes a metal core as a main supporting substrate. The core can be configured to direct heat away from circuit components that generate heat.

[0110] Examples herein recognize that to improve heat removal, printed circuit board 1020 may be provided by a metal core printed circuit board (MCPCB) having a core substrate provided by a metal core layer 1022, an insulating layer 1024, and a conductive metal wiring layer 1026, such as Figure 5D As shown. Figure 5D In the example of , the metal core layer 1022 can be provided by a copper substrate. Figure 5D In the example of FIG. 1 , the metal core layer 1022 may be connected to a power source 1210 ( Figure 5B ) and the conductive metal wiring layer 1026 may be connected to the negative terminal of the power source 1210, such as Figure 5B shown.

[0111] Examples herein recognize that using parallel electrical connections for light source groups can facilitate common connection of anodes A102 of respective LEDs defining light source group 1002. For example, metal core layer 1022 can be connected to the positive voltage terminal ( Figure 5B ), and the anodes A102 of the corresponding LEDs may be commonly connected to the metal core layer 1022 defining the positive voltage terminal of the power source 1210. Figure 5D In the example of FIG. 1 , the anodes A102 of the respective light sources 102 provided by the LEDs may be commonly connected to the metal core layer 1022, and the cathodes C102 which may be defined at the top height of the respective light sources 102 provided by the LEDs may be connected to the conductive metal wiring layer 1026 (which may be connected to the conductive metal wiring layer 1026) via the bonding wires 1030. Figure 5B The negative voltage terminal power supply 1210), such as Figure 5D Commonly connecting all of the light sources 102 provided by the LEDs defining the light source group 1002 to the metal core layer 1022 can reduce thermal resistance and, in some examples, can improve heat removal relative to alternative configurations in which the light sources 102 are not commonly connected to the metal core layer 1022 .

[0112] The conductive metal wiring layer 1026 can be connected to the power source 1210 ( Figure 5B ) of the negative voltage terminal, such as Figure 5D As shown, the bonding wire can be connected to the conductive metal wiring layer 1026 by using a solder connection 1032. The bonding wire 1034 can be connected to a surface mount termination (SMT) connector 1036, which can be connected to the negative voltage terminal of the power supply 1210, such as Figure 5B By directly connecting the anode A102 to the metal core layer 1022, Figure 5D The arrangement shown may provide reduced thermal resistance (RTH) relative to an alternative configuration in which the anode A102 is not connected to the metal core layer 1022. The respective anode A102 of the light source 102 provided by the LED may be connected to the metal core layer 1022 via a conductive material formation 1028, which may be provided by a sinter paste connection according to one example. Still referring to Figure 5D For example, the anode A102 may be as follows Figure 5DAnode A 102 may be formed on a first side of a corresponding light source 102 provided by an LED, and cathode C 102 may be formed on a second side of the corresponding LED.

[0113] exist Figure 5E Another example of an arrangement of LEDs for a light source group 1002 defined by light sources 102 is shown in FIG. Figure 5E In the example of FIG. 1 , the light source 102 provided by the LEDs may be connected in series, such as Figure 5C As shown, it can be provided by flip chip.

[0114] A flip chip herein may refer to a semiconductor device having solder bumps deposited on chip pads. The solder bumps may be deposited on chip pads on the top side of a wafer during the wafer processing stage to facilitate mounting the semiconductor device to an external circuit (e.g., a circuit board such as printed circuit board 1020). The semiconductor device may be flipped so that its top side faces downward and may be attached to an external circuit (e.g., a Figure 5E The pads on the light source printed circuit board 1020 are aligned as shown.

[0115] Reference Figure 5E , depending on the patterning of the conductive metal wiring layer 1026, the anode A102 and the cathode C102 may be defined by contact pads or contact pads in combination with solder bumps. Figure 5E The light source group 1002 described may be defined as follows Figure 5B The LEDs are connected in parallel as shown or as Figure 5C The LEDs are connected in series as shown. Figure 5E According to one example, the anode A 102 and the cathode C 102 of the respective light source 102 may be connected to the conductive metal wiring layer 1026 through a conductive material formation 1028, which may be provided by a SAC die attach.

[0116] for Figure 5B In the parallel connection shown, the anode A102 of each corresponding light source 102 provided by the LED can be commonly connected to the positive voltage terminal power supply 1210, such as Figure 5B As shown, and as Figure 5B The respective cathodes C102 of each respective light source 102 shown may be commonly connected to a negative voltage terminal power supply 1210, such as Figure 5B As shown. Figure 5E The light source group 1002 shown can also be Figure 5C are connected in series as shown. Figure 5C In the series connection shown, the segments of the conductive metal wiring layer 1026 between each respective LED may define a conductor connecting the cathode of the first light source 102 to the anode of the second light source 102, such as Figure 5C shown.

[0117] Referring again to the arrangement of the light source group 1002 as Figure 5D shown, the conductive metal wiring layer 1026 may include an intermediate section, such as an intermediate section at "A" between the first light source and the second light source 102, the light sources being LEDs adjacent to the right and left of the intermediate section at "A". The insulator layer 1024 and the conductive metal wiring layer 1026 may have an intermediate section at "A". Referring Figure 5D to, the corresponding cathode C102 may be electrically connected to the intermediate section of the conductive metal wiring layer 1026 at "A". As Figure 5D shown, the arrangement of the light source group 1002 promotes the parallel connection of the light sources 102 as Figure 5B shown. As Figure 5D shown, the arrangement may also be configured to support the series connection of the light sources 102 as Figure 5C shown through appropriate patterning of the metal core layer 1022.

[0118] Referring Figure 5E to, flip-chip LEDs defining the light source group 1002 may be mounted such that the anode A102 and the cathode C102 of each corresponding light source 102 are connected to sections of the conductive metal wiring layer 1026 through conductive material formations 1028. Figure 5E The arrangement shown avoids using an intermediate section, such as the intermediate section at "A" in the example of Figure 5D , and there may be no intermediate section at "A" of Figure 5D , which is defined by the intermediate section of the insulator layer 1024 and the intermediate section of the conductive metal wiring layer 1026. Since there may be no intermediate section at "A" in the example of Figure 5E , the light sources 102 provided by the LEDs of Figure 5E may be placed closer together.

[0119] In the example of Figure 5D , the spacing distance between the light sources 102 provided by the LEDs may be the spacing distance D1, while in the example of Figure 5E , the spacing distance between the light sources 102 may be the spacing distance D2, where D2 < D1. As Figure 5D shown, a reduced spacing distance can be facilitated by using flip-chip and removing the intermediate section at "A" between the light sources 102, where the intermediate section "A" is defined by the intermediate section of the conductive metal wiring layer 1026 and the intermediate section of the insulator layer 1024. Since in the example of Figure 5E , the light sources 102 may be spaced closer, more light sources 102 can be placed per unit area on the surface of the printed circuit board 1020.

[0120] As Figure 5EThe arrangement shown facilitates placement of additional light sources 102 per unit area on the surface of the printed circuit board 1020 and provides additional exemplary advantages. Figure 5E In the example of FIG. 1 , the anode A102 and the cathode C102 may be directly soldered to the conductive metal wiring layer 1026, so the electrode (anode or cathode) may not be wire-bonded to the conductive metal wiring layer 1026, as shown in FIG. Figure 5D Therefore, it can be recognized that Figure 5D The illustrated implementation with line 1030 may conceivably limit the spacing between the light source 102 provided by the LEDs and the surface of the light pipe 110 as shown in all views.

[0121] However, the examples in this article recognize that Figure 5E There is no limitation on the arrangement of Figure 5E The top view of the arrangement of lines 1030, such as Figure 5D As shown. Figure 5E The light source 102 provided by the flip-chip LED shown (which may have an anode A102 and a cathode C102 directly soldered to a conductive metal wiring layer 1026 and may not have a top surface extension line 1030) may be more closely spaced from the light incident surface of the light pipe 110, thereby facilitating surface coupling (butt coupling) of the light source 102 provided by the LED to the light pipe 110.

[0122] Fig. 5F Depicted Figure 5D An alternative to the arrangement depicted in . Fig. 5F In the example, you can use Fig. 5F The extended wire bond 1030 shown at "B" avoids the use of Figure 5D However, it can be observed that the extended wire bond 1030 at "B" can limit the density per unit area of ​​the light source 102 provided by the LEDs that can be packed onto the surface of the printed circuit board 1020. Figure 5G As shown, the use of flip chip LEDs may facilitate dense packaging of the light sources 102 provided by the LEDs, wherein the light sources 102 are packaged into a 4×3 matrix.

[0123] In the case of a light source 102 provided by a flip chip LED Figure 5G In the example of FIG. 1 , twelve LEDs may be packed into the same two-dimensional area, where Fig. 5F In the example shown, there are only ten LEDs. Figure 5G As shown in Fig. 5F The arrangement of wire bonds 1030 shown, while feasible and advantageous in some examples, may be Fig. 5F "B" involves an extended wire bond 1030 for the center LED to "jump over" the outer LEDs to limit the excitation light of the outer LEDs. Figure 5G The flip chip layout can be characterized by a J×K array of LEDs arranged into evenly spaced rows and columns of LEDs.

[0124] Figure 5H A side view, a top view, and a bottom view of a light source 102 provided by an LED emitting blue light are illustrated. Fig.5I A top view and a bottom view of a light source 102 provided by an LED emitting green light are illustrated. Figure 5H and Figure 5G As shown, according to one example, the light source 102 may have a top view dimension of approximately 1 mm x 1 mm. The contact pads defining the anode A 102 and the cathode C 102 may have an area dimension of approximately 1 mm x 450 microns and may have a separation distance of approximately 200 microns.

[0125] Figure 5J and Figure 5K Examples Figure 5D and Figure 5E Thermal diagram of the heat dissipation performance of the arrangement. Figure 5J Illustrated Figure 5D The heat dissipation performance of the arrangement Figure 5K Illustrated Figure 5E Examples herein recognize that heat dissipation performance can be expressed as a function of various heat dissipation parameter values. Examples herein recognize that, with reference to Figure 5H and Fig.5I The thermal performance of the heat sink diagram can be a function of R1, R2, and R3, where R1 is the "J to pad" thermal resistance, R2 is the "thermal interface material (TIM) to board" thermal resistance, and R3 is the "board to heat sink" thermal resistance.

[0126] Regarding R1, the “J to pad” thermal resistance can depend on the point where the diode is connected to the base, i.e. the junction temperature. Figure 5K The flip chip configuration shown and Figure 5J The vertical configuration shown may be substantially similar.

[0127] Reference now Figure 5J (vertical) and R2 in the example of Figure 5k (flip chip LED). For example, Figure 5J (Vertical LED example) The light source 102 can be directly connected to the metal core layer 1022 by using Ag sintering paste. Figure 5K In the flip chip configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 , the light source 102 can be connected to the conductive metal wiring layer 1026 by using a SAC die attach. Figure 5JIn the case of the vertical LED shown in FIG, R2 can be significantly smaller. The examples herein recognize that the Ag sinter paste can have a thermal conductivity greater than about twice that of the SAC die attach. SAC herein refers to a solder paste alloy that can be about 96.5% Sn, about 3.0% Ag, and about 0.5% Cu.

[0128] Regarding R3, R3 can be the thermal resistance from PCB to heat sink 702. Figure 5K (Flip Chip LED), Figure 5J In the case of vertical LEDs, the parameter value R3 can be significantly smaller. Figure 5J In the case of a vertical LED, the light source 102 may be attached directly to the metal core layer 1022 of the printed circuit board 1020. Figure 5K In the flip chip design of FIG. 1 , there are two additional PCB layers between the light source 102 and the heat sink 702, namely, an insulator layer 1024 provided by a dielectric and a conductive metal wiring layer 1026 provided by a copper layer. The thermal resistance parameter R3 may refer to the thermal resistance provided by the printed circuit board 1020. Figure 5J In the case of the arrangement (vertical), the thermal resistance provided by the printed circuit board 1020 can be provided only by the metal core layer 1022. Figure 5K In the example of FIG. 1 , the thermal resistance R3 provided by the printed circuit board 1020 may include stacked layers of a metal core layer 1022 , an insulator layer 1024 , and a conductive metal wiring layer 1026 .

[0129] Regarding R1, for the vertical LED configuration of Figure J and Figure 5K For both flip chip configurations, the J2 pad thermal resistance R1 can be approximately the same. Regarding thermal resistance R2, i.e. the “TIM to board” thermal resistance, Figure 5K The R2 of the flip chip design can be greater than Figure 5J The thermal resistance of the vertical LED configuration shown, where the light source 102 provided by the LED can be connected to the metal core layer 1022 by Ag sintered tube die attachment, while Figure 5K In a flip chip LED design, the light source 102 provided by the LED may be connected to the conductive metal wiring layer 1026 by, for example, a SAC die attach.

[0130] Regarding thermal resistance R3, Figure 5J The light source 102 provided by the LED (vertical LED) shown can be directly attached to the metal core layer 1022, while Figure 5K In a flip chip design, the insulator layer 1024 of the printed circuit board 1020 may be included in the thermal path defined by the printed circuit board 1020 .

[0131] As reference Figure 5K As shown in the heat dissipation diagram of the flip chip design, Figure 5KThe heat removal in the specific implementation can be affected by Figure 5C and Figure 5E and Figure 5K The examples herein recognize that the insulator layer 1024 that forms the heat removal path in the example of (flip chip design with series connection) is limited. Figure 5C and Figure 5E and Figure 5K Heat removal in the example of (flip chip design with series connection) can be improved by selecting the material for insulator layer 1024. In one example, insulating layer 1024 can be provided by a ceramic material.

[0132] The improvement in heat conduction is illustrated in reference table A, which illustrates the thermal resistance for supporting various arrangements of light source groups 1002, as set forth in reference table A.

[0133] Table A

[0134] Architecture-PCB 1D thermal resistance (C / W) Flip Chip - MCPCB with Dielectric 23.9 Flip Chip - Ceramic 7.22

[0135] Figure 5C and Figure 5E and Figure 5K The flip chip series connection design (flip chip design with series connection) can exhibit a thermal resistance of about 23.9C / W. Figure 5B and Figure 5D and Figure 5J The vertical LED design (vertical LED design with parallel connection) can exhibit a thermal resistance of about 3.75C / W. Figure 5C and Figure 5E and Figure 5K The flip chip example (flip chip design with series connection) can be characterized by a thermal resistance of about 7.22C / W, which is comparable to Figure 5B and Figure 5D and Figure 5J The design of (vertical LED design with parallel connection in which the light source 102 is directly connected to the metal core layer 1022 of the printed circuit board 1020) is in the same order of magnitude. In one example in which the insulator layer 1024 is provided by a ceramic material, the ceramic material can be provided by beryllium oxide (BeO). In one example in which the insulator layer 1024 is provided by a ceramic material, the ceramic material can be provided by aluminum nitride.

[0136] Reference Figure 5L, the light pipe 110 can be connected and mounted to the printed circuit board 1020 by using a material formation 1202. In one example, the material formation 1202 can be provided by a gel formation, and in one example, the material formation 1202 can be provided by a silicone gel formation. The material formation 1202 can be optically transparent and can include a refractive index that matches the refractive index of the material defining the light pipe 110.

[0137] Providing a material formation 1202 including a refractive index that matches the refractive index of the light pipe 110 can improve the irradiance of the detector surface resulting from excitation by the light energy exciter 10. In one aspect, the material formation 1202 can include a refractive index greater than that of air for improved optical coupling and increased irradiance of the detector surface resulting from excitation by the light energy exciter 10. In one example, as Figure 5J The use of the material formation 1202 described in can improve the detector surface irradiance by about 15% to about 20%. Figure 5L In an example, the light source 102 provided by an LED may be separated from the light pipe 110 by a gap distance G. In some examples, the light source 102 provided by an LED may be surface-coupled (butt-coupled) to a light incident surface of the light pipe 110 .

[0138] The light energy exciter 10 can emit excitation light 101 ( Figure 1A ) to excite the fluorophore, which fluoresces in response to the excitation light to radiate emission signal light 501 of a second wavelength range having a longer wavelength (e.g., including wavelengths longer than about 560 nm). The detector 200 may be configured so that these wavelength range emissions at longer wavelengths are detected by the light sensor 202. The detector 200 may include a light guide 214, which may be formed of a filter material to block light within the wavelength range of the excitation light 101, so that the emission signal light 501 attributable to the fluorescing fluorophore is selectively received by the light sensor 202.

[0139] Examples herein recognize that if light energy stimulator 10 emits light in the fluorescence emission band (fluorescence range), such emission light may be undesirably sensed as emission signal light by light sensor 202. Examples herein include features that reduce emission of fluorescence range wavelengths by light energy stimulator 10.

[0140] As described above, the light energy exciter 10 may include a short pass filter 122. The short pass filter 122 allows transmission of excitation light in the emission energy band of the light source group 1002, but blocks light in the fluorescence range within the flow channel 282 attributable to the autofluorescent components within the light energy exciter 10. The short pass filter 122 may be disposed at the distal end of the light energy exciter 10 so that the short pass filter 122 may reject wavelengths of the autofluorescence range attributable to the autofluorescent materials within the light energy exciter 10. In order to facilitate filtering of autofluorescence range radiation radiated from the lens 114 in the light propagation direction and from components disposed before the lens 114, the short pass filter 122 may be disposed at the distal end of the light energy exciter 10 after the lens 114 in the light propagation direction. According to one example, the short pass filter 122 may include a substrate on which alternating layers of materials having higher and lower refractive indices are deposited. The higher refractive index material may include, for example, titanium dioxide (TiO2) or tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5), and the lower refractive index material may include, for example, silicon dioxide (SiO2).According to one example, the material layer may be hard coated, for example, using ion beam sputtering.

[0141] To further reduce the fluorescent range light, the material of the light energy exciter 10 may be selected for reduced autofluorescence. The examples herein recognize that the autofluorescence of silicate glass is less than that of polycarbonate materials commonly used in optical systems. According to one example, one or more optical components of the light energy exciter 10 may be selected to be formed from silicate glass. The examples herein recognize that silicate glass may produce reduced autofluorescence relative to alternative materials for optical components, and therefore according to one example, one or more of the light pipe 110, lens 114, short pass filter 122 (its substrate), and window 126 may be selected to be formed from silicate glass for reducing autofluorescence. According to one example, one or more of the light pipe 110, lens 114, short pass filter 122 (its substrate), and window 126 are selected to be formed from uniform silicate glass for reducing autofluorescence. According to one example, each of the light pipe 110, the lens 114, the short pass filter 122 (its substrate), and the window 126 is selected to be formed of uniform silicate glass for reducing autofluorescence. In one example, the short pass filter 122 may be disposed at a position such as Figure 2 , between the first and second lens pairs defining lens 114. In one example, the positioning of short pass filter 122 at position "L" between the depicted lens pair defining lens 114 can be facilitated by using silicate glass for lens 114.

[0142] exist Figure 6 , a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the light energy exciter 10 is shown. Figure 6As shown, the object plane 112 can be imaged onto the image plane 130 by the lens 114. As explained herein, the object plane 112 can be defined at the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110, so that the image of the light at the light exit surface 111 is projected onto the image plane 130, which, as noted, can be located at the detector surface 206 ( Figure 1A ). It will be appreciated that because the lens 114 can image the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110, the shape of the light exit surface 111 can be imaged onto and thus projected onto the image plane 130. According to one example, the shape of the light exit surface 111 is selected to correspond to the shape and size of the detector surface 206, and the light energy exciter 10 is configured to image the shape of the light exit surface 111 onto the image plane 130, so that the lens 114 will image the illumination pattern 107 ( Figure 3 ) is projected onto the detector surface 206.

[0143] The light energy stimulator 10 is configured to emit a light pattern 107 ( Figure 3 ) onto the detector surface 206 provides various advantages. With such a configuration, the projected illumination pattern does not illuminate areas outside the perimeter of the detector 200 (which is a waste of light energy) and does not under-illuminate areas that are regions of interest.

[0144] In reference Figure 6 In the example described, both the light exit surface 111 and the detector surface 206 for supporting the sample may be rectilinear in shape. Figure 6 10, the light pipe 110 may include a straight cross-section throughout its length (taken along 6-6 transverse to the optical axis 106). In addition, as noted, the light pipe 110 may have a tapered configuration and may have an increasing diameter throughout its length from the light entrance surface 109 to the light exit surface 111. Where the light pipe 110 has a straight cross-section, it will be appreciated that the divergent light cone 1100 defined by the excitation light rays exiting the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110 may have a straight cross-section with the corners becoming softer and more diffuse in the direction of light propagation toward the light entrance surface 113 of the lens 114.

[0145] According to one example, the light energy exciter 10 can be configured so that the light pipe 110 has a straight light exit surface 111, whose image can be projected by the lens 114 onto a detector surface 206 for supporting a sample, and the detector surface can have a periphery with a straight shape corresponding to the shape of the light exit surface 111.

[0146] exist Figure 7The specifications of the components of the light energy exciter 10 according to an example are illustrated in FIG. 1 , which illustrates various optical parameter values ​​of the light energy exciter 10 according to an example. Figure 7 In the illustrated example, the lens 114 has a magnification of 1:1, so that the size of the projected image at the image plane 130 is the same as the size of the object (light exit surface 111) at the object plane 112. According to one example, the light energy exciter 10 can generate a green lighting intensity of about 5W / cm^2 at a 2A driving current per LED die, and a blue lighting intensity of about 7W / cm^2 at a 2A driving current per LED die. About >75% lighting uniformity can be achieved throughout the entire illumination area. The materials used for the light energy exciter 10 are listed in Table B below.

[0147] Table B

[0148]

[0149]

[0150] In another example, the light pipe 110 may be shaped such that the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110 may have a shape other than a straight line, for example, may have a circular cross-section taken along 6-6 transverse to the optical axis 106. Such an example may be advantageous in the case where the sample support detector surface 206 has a periphery having a shape other than a straight line and corresponding to the shape of the light exit surface 111.

[0151] The design of the light energy stimulator 10 can be easily modified for optimization with different detectors according to the detector 200 having different detector surfaces 206 with different shapes. For example, the first detector according to the detector 200 can have a detector surface 206 with a rectangular shape (from a top view along the Z-axis), the second detector according to the detector 200 can have a detector surface 206 with a square shape, and the third detector according to the detector 200 can have a detector surface 206 with a circular shape. Because the lens 114 is configured to image the object plane 112 coinciding with the light exit surface 111 onto the detector surface 206, the light energy stimulator 10 can be optimized for use with any detectors of different shapes simply by changing the light pipe 110 to a different configuration. According to one example, as Figure 2, which is indicated by the dashed line 132 indicating that the holder for holding interchangeable modules of the light energy stimulator 10 may have a module construction in which the light pipe module 133 is removably interchangeable, and the light energy stimulator 10 may be provided with a plurality of such light pipe blocks or modules, each having one or more light pipes 110 of different configurations. Optimizing the light energy stimulator 10 for use with a detector 200 of a different shape having a detector surface 206 of a different shape may include simply replacing a first currently installed light pipe module 133 having a first light pipe 110 and a first light pipe exit surface 111 of a first shape with a second light pipe module 133 having a second shape of a light pipe 110 and a light pipe exit surface 111, the second shape matching the shape of the detector 200 of a different shape having a detector surface 206 of a different shape. The light energy exciter 10 can be configured so that when different modules are installed in the holder of the housing 134 as indicated by the dotted line 132, the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110 of the newly installed module 133 is located on the object plane 112, so that the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110 can be imaged onto an image plane located on the detector surface 206.

[0152] In one example, if Fig. 8AAs shown, the light energy exciter 10 may include a plurality of light source groups 1002, for example, light source group 1002, light source group 1002B, light source group 1002C and light source group 1002D. The various light source groups 1002, 1002B, 1002C, 1002D may be spaced apart as shown and may be mounted at separate spaced apart light source group carrying areas 1050 of the printed circuit board 1020. Specifically, the light sources defining the light source group 1002 may be mounted on the first light source group carrying area 1050, the light sources defining the second light source group 1002B may be mounted on the second light source group carrying area 1050, as shown, the light sources defining the third light source group 1002C may be mounted on the third light source group carrying area 1050, and the light sources defining the fourth light source group 1002D may be mounted on the fourth light source group carrying area 1050, as shown. The spaced apart different light source group carrying areas 1050 may each be thermally connected to the heat sink 702. In one example, each of the spaced-apart light source group carrying areas 1050 of the printed circuit board 1020 for carrying the respective light source groups 1002, 1002B, 1002C, 1002D may be directly connected to the heat sink 702, or may be connected to the heat sink 702 using a thermal interface material. The light source groups 1002, 1002B, 1002C, 1002D may be mounted to the printed circuit board 1020 such that the thermal resistance between the respective light source groups 1002, 1002B, 1002C, 1002D and the heat sink 702 is less than the thermal resistance between the light source groups 1002, 1002B, 1002C, 1002D. The described configuration, in which the thermal resistance between the respective light source groups 1002, 1002B, 1002C, 1002D and the heat sink 702 is less than the thermal resistance between the respective light source groups 1002, 1002B, 1002C, 1002D, can improve heat removal from each respective light source group 1002, 1002B, 1002C, 1002D, and can reduce heat transfer between the respective light source groups 1002, 1002B, 1002C, 1002D. In one example, the printed circuit board 1020 can include a plurality of screw holes 1052 distributed throughout the area of ​​the printed circuit board. The screw hole 1052 can include a central screw. In order to connect and attach the printed circuit board 1020 to the heat sink 702, a screw can be assembled through the described screw hole 1052 and threaded into a mating threaded hole of the heat sink 702, so that a compressive force for improving thermal conductivity can be increased by tightening the described screw.

[0153] The light source group carrying area 1050 of the printed circuit board 1020 described may be defined by the surface area of ​​the printed circuit board 1020. In one example, the light source group carrying area 1050 described may be defined by the surface modified surface area of ​​the printed circuit board 1020. In one example, the surface modified surface area of ​​the printed circuit board 1020 may be as follows: Figure 5DAn area of ​​a printed circuit board 1020 characterized as shown in FIG. 1 is shown in which one or more layers of the printed circuit board 1020 (such as an insulating layer 1024 and a conductive metal wiring layer 1026) are removed to facilitate bonding such as Figure 5D The light source 102 is directly connected to the metal core layer 1022. In one example, Figure 5D The light source 102 depicted in FIG. Figure 5B The parallel electrical connection configuration depicted in FIG. Fig. 5F and Figure 5G 1020. In one aspect, as shown throughout the various views, the printed circuit board 1020 may include a plurality of spaced-apart light source group carrying areas 1050, wherein respective ones of the light source group carrying areas 1050 of the printed circuit board 1020 are characterized by having the insulator layer 1024 and the conductive metal wiring layer 1026 removed therefrom, so as to facilitate direct mounting of the light source 102 with the metal core layer 1022, as shown in FIG. Figure 5D As depicted in .

[0154] Different light source groups 1002-1002D may have different light pipes associated therewith. Fig. 8A In the example of , light pipe 110 can collect and homogenize light from light source group 1002, light pipe 110B can collect and homogenize light from light source group 1002B, light pipe 110C can collect and homogenize light from light source group 1002C, and light pipe 110D can collect and homogenize light from light source group 1002D. Light pipe 110 and light pipe 110B can project excitation light into lens 114, while light pipe 110C and light pipe 110D can project excitation light into lens 114B. Therefore, light pipe 110 and light pipe 110B can share common lens 114, and light pipe 110C and light pipe 110D can share common lens 114B.

[0155] exist Fig.8D In the example of , system 100 may include first detector 200, second detector 200B, third detector 200C, and fourth detector 200D. Each of the respective detectors may include an array of light sensors 202 (light sensor array 201). Sample support structure 260 may include first detector surface 206, second detector surface 206B, third detector surface 206C, and fourth detector surface 206D.

[0156] exist Fig.8DIn the example of the light energy stimulator 10 mentioned in , the lens 114 can image the light exit surface of the light pipe 110 and the light exit surface of the light pipe 110B onto the detector surface 206 and the detector surface 206B, respectively. By operating the lens 114 and the lens 114B to image the object plane images of the light pipe exit surfaces of the light pipes 110, 110B, 110C, and 110D, the light energy stimulator 10 can project a first illumination pattern to match the size and shape of the first detector surface 206, project a second illumination pattern to match the size and shape of the second detector surface 206B, project a third illumination pattern to match the size and shape of the third detector surface 206C, and project a fourth illumination pattern to match the size and shape of the detector surface 206D.

[0157] The lens 114 may be configured to image the object plane 112 defined at the light exit surfaces 111 of the light pipe 110 and the second light pipe 110B onto the image plane 130 that may be defined on the detector surfaces 206, 206B, 206C, 206D. The lens 114 may be configured to image the object plane 112 defined at the light exit surfaces 111 of the light pipe 110 and the second light pipe 110B onto the image plane 130 that may be defined on the detector surface 206 and the detector surface 206B. By imaging the light exit surfaces 111 of the light pipes 110, 110B, 110C, 110D, the lenses 114 and 114B may project an illumination pattern that matches the respective sizes and shapes of the first detector surface 206, the second detector surface 206B, the third detector surface 206C, and the fourth detector surface 206D.

[0158] Reference Figure 8C , the light pipes 110, 110B, 110C and 110D can be respectively installed by a specific installation arrangement so that the central axes 1106, 1106B, 1106C and 1106D of the respective light pipes 110, 110B, 110C and 110D extend from the respective light source groups in the following manner: the respective axes are arranged in parallel and also arranged perpendicularly relative to the light source circuit boards of their respective light source groups. Fig.8D , the detector 200 may include a first camera integrated circuit chip 205 and a second camera integrated circuit chip 205B. The first camera integrated circuit chip 205 may include the detector 200, a detector surface 206 and a detector 200B, a detector surface 206B. The second camera integrated circuit chip 205B may include a detector 200C having a detector surface 206C and a detector 200D having a detector surface 206D. There may be a gap of, for example, about 500 μm between the detector surfaces 206 and 206B of the camera integrated circuit chip 205. There may be a gap of, for example, about 500 μm between the detector surfaces 206C and 206D of the camera integrated circuit chip 205B. As Fig.8D As shown, the system 100 can be based on Figure 8C and Fig.8D The system 100 shown is constructed to include a camera integrated circuit chip 205 having a first detector and a second detector and a second integrated circuit chip 205B having a first detector and a second detector.

[0159] Each respective detector surface 206, 206B, 206C, 206D may be aligned with the array of light sensors 202 (light sensor array 201). According to one aspect of the detector surfaces 206, 206B, 206C, 206D aligned with the array of light sensors 202, a vertical line extending through the light sensors 202 (which defines each respective detector 200 ( Figure 1C )'s array of light sensors) may extend through the respective detector surfaces 206A, 206B, 206C, 206D.

[0160] exist Figures 1A to 1D Detectors and detector surfaces are exemplified in FIG. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the detector 200 may include an array of light sensors 202 (light sensor array 201) and a detector surface 206. The detector surface 206 of the detector 200 may be associated with the array of light sensors 202 by being aligned with the array of light sensors 202 of the detector 200. In one aspect of the alignment, the detector surface 206 may define an area that intersects a vertically extending longitudinal axis 268 extending through the light sensors (which define the array of light sensors 202 of the detector).

[0161] Reference Figure 1B , Figure 1B is taken along the height of the light sensor 202 (which defines the array of sensors of the detector 200) as shown in FIG. Figure 1A 200. It can be seen that the array of light sensors 202 (light sensor array 201) can define a two-dimensional array of light sensors arranged in a grid pattern, wherein the light sensors are defined as follows: Figure 1BPixel positions A1-E4 are illustrated. The pixel positions shown define the pixel positions of the detector 200 for the detector structure above the height of the array of light sensors 202 depicted. The light guides 214 aligned with the respective light sensors 202 may share the respective pixel positions A1-E4 with the light sensors 202 to which they are aligned. For example, the reaction sites provided by the reaction recesses (nanotraps) 210 aligned with the respective light sensors 202 may share the respective pixel positions A1-E4 with the light sensors 202 to which they are aligned. According to one example, the light sensors 202, the light guides 214, and the reaction recesses 210 may be aligned by sharing a common longitudinal axis 268. All detectors 200-200D herein may include detector structures having pixel positions as explained with reference to pixel positions A1-F4.

[0162] like Figure 1C and Figure 1D The system 100 shown includes a plurality of detectors 200, 200B, 200C, 200D. Figure 1C and Figure 1D In the system 100, a first detector 200, a second detector 200B, a third detector 200C and a fourth detector 200D defined by a corresponding array of light sensors 202 (light sensor array 201) are provided. Figure 1C and Figure 1D As shown, the first detector 200 and the second detector 200B may be integrated on the first camera image sensor chip 205, and the second detector 200C and the third detector 200D defined by the corresponding array of light sensors 202 (light sensor array 201) may be integrated on the second camera image sensor chip 205B. Figure 1C and Figure 1D As best seen in FIG. 2 , the first detector 200 and the second detector 200B of the first camera image sensor chip 205 and the second detector 200C and the third detector 200D of the second camera image sensor chip 205B may be separated by a gap region 2185 where no light sensors are present. In addition, the second detector 200B and the third detector 200C may be separated by a gap region 2186.

[0163] In such Figure 1D In another aspect best seen in FIG. 2 , sample support structure 260 may define first detector surface 206, second detector surface 206B, third detector surface 206C, and fourth detector surface 206D. Respective first detector surface 206, second detector surface 206B, third detector surface 206C, and fourth detector surface 206D may be associated and aligned with respective arrays of light sensors 202 (light sensor array 201). Figure 1C and Figure 1DIn the described example, the first detector 200, the second detector 200B, the third detector 200C, and the fourth detector 200D defined by the respective arrays of light sensors 202 can be operated independently. The independent operation of different detectors with different arrays of light sensors 202 (light sensor array 201) herein can be characterized in that different detectors have independent exposure periods and / or independent readout periods. Figure 1B and Figure 1D As shown, the array of light sensors 202 may include a two-dimensional M×N array of light sensors 202. In one example, the M×N array of light sensors may include 1M or more light sensors. In one example, the M×N array of light sensors may include 10M or more light sensors. In one example, the M×N array of light sensors may include 25M or more light sensors. Figure 1C and Figure 1D In one example, four light sensor arrays 201 each having 25M or more light sensors 202 may be provided.

[0164] The light sensors 202 of different corresponding detector arrays may be individually exposed in individually controlled exposure periods, and image signals from the different corresponding detector arrays defined by the array of light sensors 202 may be independently and individually read out. Different detector surfaces 206, 206B, 206C, and 206D may be associated and aligned with the corresponding different detector arrays defined by the array of light sensors 202 (light sensor array 201). According to one aspect of the alignment, the corresponding detector surfaces 206, 206B, 206C, and 206D may define a two-dimensional area indicated in dashed view (to indicate foreground). The vertically extending longitudinal axis 268 intersects Figure 1D Limited Figure 1D As shown in the respective first, second, third and fourth light sensor arrays 201, the longitudinal axis extends through the center of the respective array of light sensors. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8H The system 100 shown may include multiple detector surfaces and may be configured according to Figure 1C to Figure 1D .

[0165] exist FIG. 8A to FIG. 8HIn an example of , multiple light pipes may project the excitation light onto a shared lens. For example, the light pipe 110 and the light pipe 110B may jointly project the excitation light onto the lens 114, which may receive the excitation light that leaves the corresponding light exit surfaces 111 of the light pipe 110 and the light pipe 110B, and the lens may image the object plane defined at the light exit surfaces 111 of the light pipes 110 and 110B onto the image plane defined at the sample support structure 260, so that the image of the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110 is projected onto the detector surface 206 of the detector 200, and further so that the image of the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110B is projected onto the detector surface 206B of the detector 200 (e.g., Fig.8D Best seen in ).

[0166] The examples herein recognize that where the light energy stimulator 10 includes multiple light pipes 110, 110B, 110C, and / or 110D, the light energy stimulator 10 may particularly benefit from precision alignment features. The precision alignment features herein facilitate precision alignment of the first light pipe 110 and the second light pipe 110B relative to their respective light source groups 1002, 1002B, relative to their commonly shared lens 114, and relative to each other. The precision alignment features herein may facilitate separate and independent mounting of the first light pipe 110 and the second light pipe 110B relative to their respective light source groups 1002, 1002B.

[0167] Separate and independent mounting can facilitate alignment with improved accuracy. The precision alignment features herein can be characterized by removable mounting. In the event that it is observed that the light energy exciter 10 will benefit from reinstallation, the removable mounting (e.g., by removable machine screws) can facilitate reinstallation of the light guide. According to one example, the precision alignment features herein can be characterized by a gap distance G (separation distance) between the light guide and the light source group. Such an arrangement can reduce the impact of manufacturing tolerances of the light source on the alignment target. Although providing a separation distance can be advantageous, in various applications, surface mounting of the light guide to the light source can be preferred. In another aspect, the precision alignment features herein can provide limited mechanical contact, such as by contact on a single side and / or at a contact point with the light guide. In this way, the radiation flux generated at the detector surface 206 of the detector 200 can be improved.

[0168] exist FIG. 9A to FIG. 9K , a mounting assembly for mounting the first light pipe 110 and the second light pipe 110B relative to the corresponding first light source group 1002 and second light source group 1002B is depicted. FIG. 9A to FIG. 9K The depicted mounting assembly may include a support structure 1502 and a light pipe mount 1602 (in 9A to 9D ). Figure 9H and Fig.9I as well as Figure 8B and Figure 8C 1002B can be mounted with a structural member fixed forwardly from light source group 1002 and light source group 1002B (or otherwise fixed in a fixed position relative to these light source groups). In one example, support structure 1502 can have a unitary construction, i.e., a one-piece construction. In one example, support structure 1502 can have a multi-piece construction. In one example, support structure 1502 can be mounted to printed circuit board 1020 as shown in all views. In one example, support structure 1502 can be defined by printed circuit board 1020.

[0169] The depicted mounting assembly can facilitate alignment between a light pipe (e.g., light pipe 110) and a light source 102. In one example of a light pipe (e.g., light pipe 110 aligned with light source 102), as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5G As shown, the central axis X102 of the light source 102 extending vertically through the front face of the light source 102 can extend through the light incident surface 109 of the light pipe 110. The depicted mounting assembly can facilitate alignment between the light pipe (e.g., the light pipe 110) and the light source 102. The depicted mounting assembly can facilitate alignment between the light pipe (e.g., the light pipe 110) and the light source group (e.g., the light source group 1002). In one example of a light pipe (e.g., a light pipe 110 aligned with the light source group 1002), the central axis 1106 of the light pipe 110 can extend through the light source group carrying area 1050 of the printed circuit board 1020. The depicted mounting assembly can facilitate alignment between the light pipe (e.g., the light pipe 110) and the light source group (e.g., the light source group 1002). In one example of a light pipe (e.g., a light pipe 110 aligned with the light source group 1002), the central axis 1106 of the light pipe 110 can extend through the light source group carrying area 1050 of the printed circuit board 1020 and can extend vertically through the printed circuit board 1020. In one example of a light pipe (e.g., a light pipe 110 aligned with the light source group 1002), as shown Figure 4 and Figure 5D As depicted, a horizontally forward extending plane 1054 that intersects the outer edge of the outermost horizontally arranged light source 102 defining the light source group 1002 and perpendicularly intersects the printed circuit board 1020 may substantially intersect the horizontally extending peripheral edge of the light incident surface 109 of the light pipe 110. In one example of a light pipe (e.g., a light pipe 110 aligned with the light source group 1002), as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5DAs depicted, a vertically forward extending plane 1056 that intersects outer edges of the outermost vertically arranged light sources 102 defining light source group 1002 and perpendicularly intersects printed circuit board 1020 may substantially intersect a vertically extending peripheral edge of light incident surface 109 of light pipe 110 .

[0170] like Figure 8C As shown, the support structure 1502 can be mounted on the circuit board 1020, on which various light source groups 1002, 1002B, 1002C and 1002D can be mounted at the corresponding light source group carrying area 1050 of the printed circuit board 1020. Figure 9H and Fig.9I As shown, the support structure 1502 may include, for example, sidewall structural members and one or more front planar structural members as shown, which define the cavity 1504. The one or more front planar structural members defining the cavity 1504 may be planar and may extend in a plane extending parallel to the plane of the printed circuit board 1020 for the light source groups 1002, 1002B, 1002C, and 1002D.

[0171] In reference Fig.9F In one aspect of the description, a mounting assembly including a support structure 1502 and a light pipe mount 1602 facilitates independent mounting of a light pipe 110 and a light pipe 110B that collectively project excitation light from their respective associated light source groups 1002, 1002B into a common lens 114 carried by the light pipe mount 1602 on the support structure 1502, and separately and independently mounts a second light pipe 110B carried by the light pipe mount 1602 on the support structure 1502.

[0172] Installation of the light pipe 110 aligned in front of the light source bank 1002 may include attaching the light pipe 110 to the light pipe mount 1602 and then attaching the light pipe mount 1602 with the light pipe attached to it to the support structure 1502 .

[0173] refer to FIG. 9A to FIG. 9G An example of attachment of the light pipe 110 to the light pipe mount 1602 is illustrated, wherein Fig.9E -G depicts the relative 9A to 9DAttaching the light pipe 110 to the light pipe mount 1602 may include: (a) attaching a replaceable mirror (not shown) to the distal planar surface 1606F of the light pipe mount 1602, (b) placing a removable pin 1616 in the depicted pin hole 1665 of the light pipe mount 1602, (c) placing the light pipe 110 on the light pipe mount 1602 and seating the light pipe against the pin 1616, (d) turning on an autocollimator (not shown) aligned with the central axis 1106 of the light pipe 110, (e) moving the light pipe 110 while observing the output of the autocollimator, (f) adhering the light pipe 110 to the alignment mount with a suitable adhesive when the output of the autocollimator indicates that alignment is achieved (the adhesive selected may have a refractive index that simulates air to match the default light pipe outer boundary refractive index), (g) removing the removable mirror and removable pin. Stages (a)-(g) may be repeated for each light pipe (eg, light pipes 110, 110B, 110C, 110D).

[0174] like Figures 9A to 9G The illustrated light pipe mount 1602 may include a base 1604 and an extension section 1606 that may extend forwardly from the base 1604. The base 1604 may include a mounting surface 1604M that, as shown, extends in a plane 1612. In another aspect, a central axis 1608 of the extension section 1606 may extend at a right angle relative to the plane 1612. In another aspect, the extension section 1606 may include a light pipe mounting section surface 1610 that may be configured to receive the light pipe 110 for mounting thereon. The surface 1610 may be a planar surface established at an angle that matches the angle of the light pipe 110, such that the surface 1610 aligns the light pipe 110 in a manner such that the axis 106 of the light pipe 110 extends perpendicularly relative to the light source carrier circuit board 1020.

[0175] The base 1604 may include a top surface 1605, and the extension section 1606 may include a top surface 1610 defined as a planar surface. In order to mount the light pipe 110 on the light pipe mount 1602, the light pipe 110 may rest on the light pipe mount 1602. Specifically, the light pipe 110 may rest on the light pipe mount 1602 by contacting a first section of the light pipe 110 on the base surface 1605 and a second section of the light pipe 110 on the planar surface 1610 of the extension section 1606. The first section of the light pipe 110 may be a specific outer side surface of the light pipe 110, approximately the middle length of the light pipe 110. The second section of the light pipe 110 may be a specific outer side surface of the light pipe 110 near the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110. The first section of the light pipe 110 may contact the base 1604 along a line 1605L defined by the top surface 1605 of the base 1604. In one aspect, the extension section 1606 may include and be configured such that the light pipe mounting surface 1610 of the extension section 1606 is a planar surface that is angled relative to the central axis 1608 at a specified angle that matches the angle of the depicted side surface of the light pipe 110 relative to the central axis 1106 of the light pipe 110. Thus, arranged as described, when resting on the light pipe mount 1602, the light pipe 110 may be held at an angle such that the central axis 1106 of the light pipe 110 extends parallel to the central axis 1608 of the extension section 1606 of the light pipe mount 1602, and further such that the central axis 1106 of the light pipe 110 extends perpendicularly relative to the printed circuit board 1020 when the light pipe is mounted for alignment relative to the light source array 1002.

[0176] To secure the light pipe 110 to the light pipe mount 1602, a suitable adhesive may be applied to the surface 1610 of the extension section 1606 prior to resting the light pipe 110 on the surface 1610, wherein the adhesive is applied as described. The selected adhesive may have a refractive index that simulates air to match the default light pipe outer boundary refractive index. When the light pipe 110 rests on the light pipe mount 1602, the light pipe 110 may be securely attached to the light pipe mount 1602, wherein the output of the described autocollimator indicates that the light pipe is aligned relative to the light pipe mount 1602. Arranged as described, there is limited mechanical contact between the light pipe mount 1602 and the light pipe 110. In the described arrangement in which the light pipe 110 may include six planar sides, the described light pipe mount 1602 may contact the light pipe 110 on only one side.

[0177] Limiting the points of contact with the light pipe 110 by the mounting features can improve the irradiance at the detector surface 206 resulting from excitation by the light energy exciter 10. In one aspect, limiting the points of contact with the light pipe 110 can reduce light scattering resulting from inconsistencies in the light pipe outer boundary composition (default air in the described example) of the light pipe 110. In another aspect, limiting the contact with the light pipe 110 can reduce deformation of the light pipe 110 resulting from mechanical forces.

[0178] In one aspect, the cavity 1504 of the support structure 1502 can have a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the light pipe 110. In this manner, the light pipe 110 can be contained within the cavity 1504 without the light pipe 110 contacting the sidewalls of the support structure 1502 defining the cavity 1504, such that the contact points with the light pipe 110 are reduced. The cavity 1504 can define a 360 degree sidewall perimeter, as shown. In some examples, the cavity 1504 can have a sidewall perimeter that is less than 360 degrees.

[0179] The examples herein recognize that in order to maximize the irradiance produced by operation of the light energy exciter 10, the central axis 1106 of the light pipe 110 can be aligned perpendicularly to the plane of the printed circuit board 1020 and can also be aligned parallel to the central axis 1060 of the lens 114, as shown in FIG. Figure 8I To achieve the described alignment, the light pipe mount 1602 may include an angled planar surface 1610 such that when the light pipe 110 rests on the planar surface 1610, the central axis 1106 of the light pipe 110 extends parallel to the central axis 1608 of the extension section 1606. The angled planar surface 1610 may be configured to match the angle of the light pipe 110 such that when the light pipe 110 rests on the angled planar surface, the central axis 1106 of the light pipe 110 extends parallel to the central axis 1608 of the extension section 1606.

[0180] Mounting the light pipe 110 to align with the light source bank 1002 may include (i) removably attaching the light pipe mount 1602, wherein the light pipe 110 is attached to the support structure 1502. Figures 9H to 9K 1504. The light pipe 110 may be removably attached by using the threaded screws shown. For installation of the light pipe mount 1602, the light pipe 110 may be assembled into the cavity 1504 defined by the support structure 1502, and the surface 1604M of the base 1604 may be seated onto the planar structural member of the support structure 1502 defining the cavity 1504. With the light pipe 110 assembled into the cavity 1504 and the light pipe mount 1602 seated onto the planar surface of the support structure 1502, the illustrated screws may be tightened. All of the light pipes 110, 110B, 110C, 110D may be installed in a similar manner.

[0181] With the light pipe mount 1602 attached to the support structure 1502, as Figure 5J The gap distance G shown may be defined between the top surface of the light source 102 and the light incident surface of the light pipe 110. An index matching gel may be used to fill the gap between the light source 102 and the light incident surface of the light pipe at the gap distance G. The gap distance G may be about 10 microns to about 1000 microns, and in one example may be about 15 microns.

[0182] The gap between the light source 102 and the light pipe 110 can be filled with a material mass 1202 provided by an index matching gel that can match the refractive index of the light pipe 110. The examples herein recognize that designing the light pipes 110-110D to define a gap of gap distance G when mounted on the support structure 1502 can provide alignment advantages because the alignment can be less dependent on manufacturing tolerances related to the height of the light source. In some examples, surface coupling of the light pipe 110 to the light source 102 can be advantageous.

[0183] With one or more of the light pipes 110-110D attached to the support structure 1502, installation of the light pipes may include (ii) completing the attachment of additional elements of the light energy stimulator 10 (including the lens 114) and orienting the light energy stimulator 10 to project an illumination pattern that matches a corresponding one of the detector surfaces 206-206D ( Fig.8D ). With additional elements of the light energy exciter 10 attached, installation of the light pipes 110-110D may include (iii) reading signals from an array of light sensors 202 (light sensor array 201) having detector surfaces 206-206D to determine whether the signals indicate that various illumination patterns exhibit thresholds that satisfy irradiance, thresholds that satisfy uniformity, and thresholds that satisfy consistency between illumination patterns. If the signal check of (iii) indicates that the illumination patterns result in insufficient irradiance of the detector surfaces 206-206D, or are not sufficiently uniform or consistent with each other, installation of the light pipes 110-110D may include (iv) removing and reinstalling one or more light pipes and performing stages (ii)-(iii) again. The light pipe mount 1602 may be removably connected to the support structure 1502, such as by using a machine screw as described herein, to facilitate removal of the light pipe.

[0184] The examples herein recognize that, in order to facilitate precise alignment of the light pipe 110 and the light pipe 110B, the described mounting assembly can provide independent mounting of the light pipe 110 and the light pipe 110B. Providing independent mounting of the light pipe 110 and the light pipe 110B can facilitate precise alignment of the respective light pipes 110, 110B to their respective light source groups 1002, 1002B, to the lens 114 shared by the light pipes 110, 110B, and to each other.

[0185] The examples herein recognize that various manufacturing constraints and tolerances may present challenges to the alignment of light pipes 110 and 110B. The examples herein recognize that where light pipes 110 and 110B are to be surface coupled herein relative to light source 102, manufacturing tolerances may present challenges. For example, due to manufacturing tolerances, first light source group 1002 may extend slightly longer than light source group 1002B, and if each of the light sources forming light source group 1002 and light source group 1002B are surface coupled to their respective light pipes 110, 110B, the different heights of the light sources between light source groups 1002, 1002B may create inconsistencies between the mounting arrangements of the two light pipes. Thus, in one aspect, in the described mounting assembly, tubes 110 and 110B may each be mounted with a gap distance G between the light pipe incident surface and the light source group, such as Figure 5J Thus, alignment is not limited by manufacturing tolerances resulting, for example, from one light source group extending further forward than another light source group. While providing light guides spaced apart from the light source groups may provide advantages, in some applications it may be desirable to surface couple light guides 110-110D to the light sources of their respective light source groups.

[0186] In one aspect, FIG. 9A to FIG. 9K The mounting assembly shown in FIG. 1 can facilitate independent mounting of the first light pipe 110 and the second light pipe 110B. According to one example, FIG. 9A to FIG. 9K The described mounting assembly mounts the light pipe 110 so that the light pipe incident surface 110 is spaced apart from the light sources of the light source group 1002 by a gap distance G, and mounts the second light pipe 110B so that the light incident surface of the second light pipe 110B is spaced apart from the light sources of the second light source group 1002B by a gap distance G.

[0187] In one aspect of a standalone installation, such as Figure 9H and Fig.9I The first light pipe 110 shown attached to the light pipe mount 1602 can be mounted to the support structure 1502, and then the second light pipe 110B attached to the light pipe mount 1602 can be mounted to the support structure 1502, as shown. Fig.9I shown.

[0188] The light pipe mounts 1602 carrying the respective light pipes 110, 110B may be removably attached to the support structure 1502. That is, each light pipe mount 1602 carrying the light pipes 110, 110B may be removably attached. Figure 9H and Fig.9IAs shown, the light pipe mounting member 1602 can be removably attached to the support structure 1502 by using machine screws. Therefore, when it is determined that the light pipes 110 and / or 110B are misaligned, the light pipe mounting member 1602 can be easily removed for accurately reinstalling the first light pipe 110 and / or the second light pipe 110B relative to the corresponding light source groups 1002 and 1002B.

[0189] The mounting assembly for mounting the light pipes 110-110D relative to the respective light source groups may include a support structure 1502, which may include at least one segment member extending forwardly from the light source group and the light pipe mount 1602. FIG. 9A to FIG. 9G 1502. In general, for mounting of the first and second light pipes relative to their respective light source groups, the first light pipe 110 attached to the light pipe mount 1602 may be mounted to the support structure 1502, and then the second light pipe 110B attached to its light pipe mount 1602 may be independently mounted to the support structure 1502. To mount the light pipes 110, 110B to the support structure 1502, the mounting may be performed without the light pipes 110, 110B contacting the support structure 1502. Conversely, to mount the light pipes 110, 110B to the support structure 1502, contact may be made between the light pipe mount 1602 carrying the light pipes 110, 110B and the support structure 1502, without contact between the light pipes 110, 110B and the support structure 1502.

[0190] Independently mounting the first light pipe 110 and the second light pipe 110B to the support structure 1502 may provide various advantages. For example, the arrangement facilitates alignment of the respective first light pipe 110 and the second light pipe 110B with the lens 114, and also facilitates precise alignment of the first light pipe 110 with the second light pipe 110B, which facilitates adjustment of the precise alignment after initial installation. For example, if after initial alignment and installation, the first light pipe 110 and the second light pipe 100B are found to be misaligned with each other or to their respective light source groups 1002, 1002B or to the lens 114 (e.g., by observing signals read out from one or more of the detectors 200-200D), the described mounting assembly facilitates readjustment of the positioning of the light pipes. Readjustment may be facilitated by an independent mounting arrangement in which the first light pipe 110 is independently mounted relative to the second light pipe 110B. The examples herein recognize that where the light energy stimulator 10 includes multiple light pipes 110, 110B, the performance of the light energy stimulator 10 may be negatively affected by light pipes 110, 110B that are not aligned with each other. For example, a slight misalignment between the light pipes 110, 110B may result in an inconsistency in irradiance between the first detector surface 206 and the second detector surface 206B, thereby causing a false reading (the system 100 may fail to detect emissions from a detector surface where the irradiance of the detector surface is below a threshold).

[0191] Precise readjustment of the alignment of one or more light pipes 110-110D may also be facilitated by a mount that is configured to be removably mounted. In one aspect, the light pipe mount 1602 may be configured to be removably mounted to the support structure 1502. Thus, in the event that misalignment is observed after initial installation of the light pipe mount 1602 carrying the light pipe 110, the installation may be undone and then redone via the removable replacement feature described. In one example, removable replacement of the light pipe mount 1602 may be achieved by using a threaded machine screw that may be loosened to facilitate readjustment of the light pipe mount 1602 after initial installation of the light pipe mount 1602. Readjustment may include removing and reattaching the same light pipe to the same light pipe mount, reattaching a different instance of a light pipe to the light pipe mount, or providing a replacement mount 1602 with a different mount 1602 and providing a different instance of a light pipe (e.g., light pipe 110 and / or light pipe 110B) with a readjusted light pipe.

[0192] Described FIG. 9A to FIG. 9K The mounting assembly may include various registration features for improving the alignment of the light pipes 110, 110B when the light pipes 110, 110B carried by the respective light pipe mounts 1602 are mounted on the support structure 1502. FIG. 9A to FIG. 9K As shown, when the light pipe mount 1602 is mounted to the support structure 1502, the support structure 1502 and the light pipe mount 1602 can have complementary vertically extending side walls 1502Z and 1602Z that engage with each other, and complementary horizontally extending side walls 1502X and 1602X that engage with each other. The vertically extending side walls 1502Z and 1602Z can extend in the depicted ZY plane, and the horizontally extending side walls 1502X and 1602X can extend in the depicted XY plane. When the light pipe mount 1602 is mounted to the support structure 1502, the vertically extending side wall 1602Z engages the vertically extending side wall 1502Z, and at the same time, the horizontally extending side wall 1602X engages the horizontally extending side wall 1502X of the support structure 1502. After installation of the light pipe 110, 110B, the described side wall engagement can limit the rotation of the installed light pipe 110, 110B about its central axis 1106. In another aspect, as Figure 9J and Figure 9K As best seen in FIG. 1 , the horizontally extending side wall 1502X may include a void 1502V at its end where it joins the vertically extending side wall 1502Z. The void 1502V allows the light pipe mount 1602 to be grasped by precision instruments for installation and / or removal.

[0193] On the other hand, Figure 9J and Figure 9K As best seen in , a light pipe mount 1602 (left) may be mounted to the support structure 1502 at a first location on the support structure 1502, and a second light pipe mount 1602 may be mounted to the support structure 1502 at a second location on the support structure 1502. The first location may be on a first side (e.g., bottom side) of the support structure 1502 relative to a horizontal axis 1506 extending through the light pipes 110, 100B at the height of the support structure 1502. The second location may be on a second, opposite side (e.g., top side) of the support structure 1502 relative to a horizontal axis 1506 extending through the light pipes 110, 100B at the height of the support structure 1502. Figure 9J and Figure 9K In the depicted arrangement, the mount 1602 carrying the light pipe 110 contacts the light pipe 110 on a first side (bottom side) of the light pipe 110, and the mount 1602 carrying the light pipe 110B contacts the light pipe 110B on a second, opposite side (top side) of the light pipe 110B. Figure 9J and Figure 9K The arrangement shown and described in the drawings can improve the positional stability and alignment of the light pipe 110 and the light pipe 110B, at least because the arrangement allows the light pipe 110 and the light pipe 110B to be mounted on a common side of the support structure 1502 relative to the horizontal axis 1506, as shown in FIG. Figure 9KThe dimensions in width (X direction) of the mount 1602 for the light pipe 110 and the mount 1602 for the light pipe 110B depicted in FIG. 1 are increased. Figure 9J and Figure 9K The arrangement shown and described in may also improve accessibility of the mount 1602 to facilitate easier installation of the light pipe mount 1602 and easier removal of the light pipe mount where removal and reinstallation would be beneficial as described herein. Figure 9J and Figure 9K The arrangement shown and described in may also facilitate a more even distribution of the holding force used to hold the light pipe 110 , 110B (eg, even distribution of the holding force between the left and right sides of the light pipe).

[0194] exist Figure 8I In an example of, the light energy stimulator 10 may include a light pipe 110 and a second light pipe 110B as described herein. The light pipe 110 may be surface coupled to a first light source 102A, for example provided by an LED, and the light pipe 110B may be surface coupled to a second light source 102B, for example provided by a second LED. The light source 102A and the light source 102B may be configured to emit light in the same wavelength band or in different wavelength bands. The lens 114 may be configured to image an object plane 112 defined at a light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110 and the second light pipe 110B onto an image plane 130 that may be defined on a detector surface 206. Thus, the light energy stimulator 10 may project the first and second separate illumination patterns 107 and 107B onto the detector face 206, which is advantageous in the case where a biological or chemical test designer wishes to divide the detector face 206 into separate test areas. According to one example, a test designer may specify that a test be performed using a first detector based on detector 200 and a second detector based on detector 200, and the system 100 may be configured such that the light energy exciter 10 projects illumination areas 107 and 107B (patterns) onto separate detector surfaces 206 of the first and second different detectors 200, respectively.

[0195] The present invention describes a light energy stimulator 10 having a light source 102A and a second light source 102B, wherein a light pipe 110 receives excitation light from the light source 102A, and wherein the stimulator includes a second light pipe 110B housed in a common housing 134 with the light pipe 110, wherein the second light pipe 110B receives excitation light from the second light source 102B, wherein the light pipe 110 and the second light pipe 110B respectively propagate excitation light emitted from the first light source 102A and the second light source 102B, and wherein the light energy stimulator 10 shapes the excitation light propagating through the light pipe 110 and the second light pipe 110B respectively to define first and second separate illumination areas 107 and 107B (patterns).

[0196] like Figure 8I The configuration shown may define an optical axis 106 and a second optical axis 106B. Figures 2 to 7 In the single channel system shown, the optical axis 106 can be co-located with the central axis 1060 of the lens 114. Figure 8I In the example of FIG. 1 , each of the optical axis 106 and the optical axis 106B may be offset and parallel to the central axis 1060 of the lens 114. Each of the light pipe 110 and the light pipe 110B may define a diverging light cone 1100 and 1100B, respectively, having a light source according to the reference Figure 3 The ray tracing diagram (single-pass system) depicted in FIG. 1 depicts the divergence angle characteristics of diverging light cone 1100. Lens 114 may define corresponding converging light cones 1400 and 1400B having a relative orientation according to reference 1. Figure 3 The ray trace diagram (single channel system) depicted in FIG. 1 depicts the convergence angle characteristics of the converging light cone 1400. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8H In the example (see FIG. 8A to FIG. 8B ), the optical axes 106, 106B, 106C, 106D may be defined by light pipes 110, 110B, 110C, 110D aligned with the corresponding light source groups 1002, 1002B, 1002C, 1002D, respectively. The central axes 1106, 1106B, 1106C, 1106D of the light pipes 110, 110B, 110C, 110D may define the corresponding optical axes 106, 106B, 106C, 106D and may be co-located with the corresponding optical axes 106, 106B, 106C, 106D.

[0197] exist FIG. 8A to FIG. 8H In an example of the invention, the light energy exciter 10 may include a light pipe 110 and a second light pipe 110B as described herein. The light pipe 110 may be coupled to the first light source group 1002, the light pipe 110B may be coupled to the second light source group 1002B, the light pipe 110C may be coupled to the third light source group 1002C, and the light pipe 110D may be coupled to the fourth light source group 1002D. The lens 114 may be configured to image an object plane defined at the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110 and the light exit surface 111 of the second light pipe 110B onto an image plane 130 that may be defined on the detector surface 206 and the detector surface 206B, respectively. The lens 114B may be configured to image an object plane 112 defined at the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110C and the light exit surface 111 of the light pipe 110D onto an image plane that may be defined on the detector surface 206C and the detector surface 206D, respectively. Therefore, the light energy exciter 10 can be configured as the illumination pattern 107 and the illumination pattern 107B ( Figure 8I ) are projected onto detector surface 206, detector surface 206B, detector surface 206C, and detector surface 206D, respectively. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8I In one example of the light energy exciter 10, the optical system defined by the light pipes 110 and 110B combined with the lens 114 can be Figure 8I The optical system is characterized by the light trajectory of the optical system, and the optical system defined by the light pipes 110C and 110D in combination with the lens 114B can be based on Figure 8I The optical system is characterized by the light trajectories.

[0198] According to one example, the light pipe 110 and the light pipe 110B for defining the first illumination channel and the second illumination channel can be included in a set of interchangeable modules 133 as described herein, which can be interchangeably mounted to a combination of Figure 2 The light energy exciter 10 is depicted in a defined holder of a housing 134 of the light energy exciter 10 indicated by the dotted line 132. As shown throughout several views, the light energy exciter 10 can be mounted on a heat sink 702 for drawing heat away from the light energy exciter 10, thereby improving the performance of the light energy exciter 10. The heat sink 702 may include a suitable metal (e.g., copper or aluminum) and may include fins shown throughout the views. The system 100 may include a fan (not shown) for blowing air onto the illustrated fins for heat removal.

[0199] The flow channel 282 may be defined by a flow cell frame 902, such as Fig.10 282. As shown, it illustrates a perspective assembled physical form view of a flow cell frame 902 defining a flow channel 282. The flow cell frame 902 may include, for example, a side wall 284 and a flow cover 288, such as Figure 1A As depicted in the schematic diagram.

[0200] Fig.11 The construction details of the internal components of the box 802 of the exemplary detector assembly 20 are illustrated. Fig.11 The illustrated cartridge 802 may be configured to include physical registration features 806 that facilitate alignment of the light energy exciter 10 with the detector 200. Fig.10 and Fig.11 200 is shown in a position established by the flow cell frame 902 having the detector 200 and the flow channel 282. The physical registration feature 806 can be configured to capture a corresponding feature of the light energy stimulator 10 defined by the distal end portion of the housing 134 of the light energy stimulator 10. In order to couple the light energy stimulator 10 to the detector assembly 20 and the detector 200, the housing 134 ( Figure 2 ) can be inserted into the socket of the box 802 of the detector assembly 20 and is arranged so that the distal end of the housing 134 of the light energy exciter 10 is aligned with the corresponding alignment feature 806, such as Fig.11 As shown, the light energy exciter 10 is properly aligned with the flow channel 282 and the detector 200, as shown in FIG. Figure 1A shown.

[0201] Fig.12 A top view of a flow channel 282 disposed above the detector 200 is illustrated. Fig.12 In one example shown, the flow channel 282 may include sidewalls 283 that shape the flow channel 282 so that the biological or chemical reaction to be detected occurs on less than all of the light sensors 202. According to one example, the detector 200 may include an array of 14M light sensors that may be considered pixels, and the flow channel 282 may be configured by the flow cell sidewalls 283 so that approximately 8M light sensors 202 are used during a biological or chemical test.

[0202] Fig.13 and Fig.14 Further details of the detector assembly 20 and detector 200 that may be used with the light energy exciter 10 according to one example are illustrated.

[0203] exist Fig.13 In the example shown, the flow channel 282 is defined by the detector surface 206, the sidewalls 284, and the flow cover 288 supported by the sidewalls 284 and other sidewalls (not shown). The sidewalls can be coupled to the detector surface 206 and can extend between the flow cover 288 and the detector surface 206. In some examples, the sidewalls are formed by a curable adhesive layer that bonds the flow cover 288 to the detector 200.

[0204] The flow channel 282 may include a height H1. By way of example only, the height H1 may be between about 50 μm and about 400 μm, or more specifically, between about 80 μm and about 200 μm. The flow cover 288 may include a material that is transparent to the excitation light 101 propagating from the exterior of the detector assembly 20 into the flow channel 282.

[0205] As also shown, the flow cover 288 may define an inlet port 289 and an outlet port 290 that are configured to fluidly engage other ports (not shown). For example, the other inlet may come from a cartridge (not shown) or a workstation (not shown).

[0206] The detector 200 may include a light sensor array 201 of light sensors 202, a guide array 213 of light guides 214, and a reaction array 209 of reaction wells 210. The aligned structural components of the detector 200 may share common pixel locations, such as reference Figure 1BIn some examples, the components are arranged so that each light sensor 202 is aligned with a single light guide 214 and a single reaction recess 210. However, in other examples, a single light sensor 202 may receive photons through more than one light guide 214. In some examples, more than one light guide and / or reaction recess may be provided for each light sensor in the light sensor array.

[0207] In some examples, more than one light guide and / or light sensor may be provided aligned with a reaction well of an array of reaction wells. The term "array" does not necessarily include every and all items of a particular type that a detector 200 may have. For example, light sensor array 201 of light sensors 202 may not include every and all light sensors of detector 200. As another example, guide array 213 may not include every and all light guides 214 of detector 200. As another example, reaction array 209 may not include every and all reaction wells 210 of detector 200. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, the term "array" may or may not include all such items of detector 200.

[0208] The detector 200 has a detector surface 206 that can be functionalized (e.g., chemically or physically modified in a manner suitable for performing a specified reaction). For example, the detector surface 206 can be functionalized and can include a plurality of reaction sites having one or more biomolecules immobilized thereon. The detector surface 206 can have a reaction array 209 of reaction depressions 210. Each reaction depression 210 can include one or more reaction sites. The reaction depressions 210 can be defined, for example, by depressions or depth changes along the detector surface 206. In other examples, the detector surface 206 can be substantially planar.

[0209] Fig.14 is an enlarged cross-section of detector 200 showing various features in greater detail. More specifically, Fig.14 2, and associated circuitry 246 for transmitting signals based on the transmitted signal light 501 (e.g., photons) detected by the light sensor 202. It should be understood that the light sensor array 201 ( Fig.13 ) other light sensors 202 and associated components can be configured in the same or similar manner. However, it should also be understood that it is not required that the detector 200 be manufactured identically or consistently. Instead, one or more light sensors 202 and / or associated components can be manufactured differently or have different relationships relative to each other.

[0210] The circuit 246 may include interconnected conductive elements (e.g., conductors, traces, vias, interconnects, etc.) capable of conducting an electric current, such as the transmission of a data signal based on the detected photons. The detector 200 includes an integrated circuit having a planar light sensor array of light sensors 202. The circuit 246 formed within the detector 200 may be configured for at least one of: signal readout, signal amplification, digitization, storage, and processing from the light sensors 202 exposed during an exposure period (integration period) in which charge is accumulated on the light sensors 202 depending on the emission signal light 501 received by the light sensors 202. The circuit 246 may collect and analyze the detected emission signal light 501 and generate a data signal for transmitting the detection data to the biometric system. The circuit 246 may also perform additional analog and / or digital signal processing in the detector 200. The light sensors 202 may be electrically coupled to the circuit 246 through gates 241-243.

[0211] According to one example, the detector 200 may be provided by a solid-state integrated circuit detector such as a CMOS integrated circuit detector or a CCD integrated circuit detector. According to one example, the detector 200 may be an integrated circuit chip manufactured using an integrated circuit manufacturing process such as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) manufacturing process.

[0212] The resolution of the light sensor array 201 defined by the light sensors 202 may be greater than about 0.5 megapixels (Mpixel). In a more specific example, the resolution may be greater than about 5 Mpixel and more specifically greater than about 14 Mpixel.

[0213] The detector 200 may include a plurality of stacked layers 231-237, including a sensor layer 231, which may be a silicon layer. The stacked layers may include a plurality of dielectric layers 232-237. In the illustrated example, each of the dielectric layers 232-237 includes a metal element (e.g., W (tungsten), Cu (copper) or Al (aluminum)) and a dielectric material (e.g., SiO2). Various metal elements and dielectric materials may be used, such as those suitable for integrated circuit manufacturing. However, in other examples, one or more of the dielectric layers 232-237 may include only a dielectric material, such as one or more SiO2 layers.

[0214] Relative to Fig.17 In a specific example, dielectric layers 232-237 may include Fig.17 246. As shown, the metallization layers M1-M5 can be configured to form at least a portion of the circuit 246.

[0215] In some examples, the detector 200 may include a shielding structure 250 having one or more layers extending through an area above the metallization layer M5. In the illustrated example, the shielding structure 250 may include a material configured to block an optical signal propagating from the flow channel 282. The optical signal may be the excitation light 101 and / or the emission signal light 501. By way of example only, the shielding structure 250 may include tungsten (W). As a specific example only, the excitation light may have a peak wavelength of approximately 523 nm (green light) or 456 nm (blue light), and the emission signal light 501 may include a wavelength of approximately 570 nm and longer ( Figure 4 ).

[0216] like Fig.14 As shown, the shielding structure 250 may include an aperture 252 therethrough. The shielding structure 250 may include an array of such apertures 252. The apertures 252 may be sized to allow the signal emission light to propagate to the light guide 214. The detector 200 may also include a passivation layer 256 extending along the shielding layer 250 and across the apertures 252. The detector 200 may also include a passivation layer 258 including a detector surface 206 extending along the passivation layer 256 and across the apertures 252. The shielding structure 250 may extend over the apertures 252, thereby directly or indirectly covering the apertures 252. The passivation layer 256 and the passivation layer 258 may be configured to protect the lower level layer and the shielding structure 250 from the fluid environment of the flow channel 282. According to one example, the passivation layer 256 is formed of or includes SiN or the like. According to one example, the passivation layer 258 is formed of or includes tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) or the like. The sample support structure 260 having the passivation layer 256 and the passivation layer 258 may define the detector surface 206 having the reaction wells 210. The sample support structure 260 defining the detector surface 206 may have any number of layers, such as one to N layers.

[0217] The sample support structure 260 may define a solid surface (i.e., the detector surface 206) that allows biomolecules or other analytes of interest to be fixed thereon. For example, each of the reaction sites of the reaction recess 210 may include a cluster of biomolecules fixed to the detector surface 206 of the passivation layer 258. Therefore, the passivation layer 258 may be formed of a material that allows the reaction sites of the reaction recess 210 to be fixed thereto. The passivation layer 258 may also include a material that is at least transparent to the desired fluorescence. The passivation layer 258 may be physically or chemically modified to facilitate the fixation of biomolecules and / or facilitate the detection of the emission signal light 501.

[0218] In the illustrated example, a portion of the passivation layer 256 extends along the shielding structure 250 and a portion of the passivation layer 256 extends directly along the filter material defining the light guide 214. The reaction recess 210 can be aligned with and formed directly above the light guide 214. According to one example, each of the reaction recess 210 and the light guide 214 can have a cross-sectional geometric center centered at the longitudinal axis 268. The filter material can be deposited in a cavity defined by the sidewall 254 formed in the dielectric stack having the stacked layers 232-237.

[0219] The light guide 214 may be configured relative to the surrounding material of the dielectric stack defined by the dielectric layers 231-237 to form a light guiding structure. For example, according to one example, the light guide 214 may have a refractive index of at least about 1.6, so that light energy propagating through the light guide 214 is substantially reflected at the interface at the sidewall 254 between the light guide 214 and the surrounding dielectric stack defined by the dielectric layers 231-237. In some examples, the light guide 214 may be configured so that the optical density (OD) or absorbance of the excitation light is at least about 4 OD. More specifically, the filter material may be selected and the size of the light guide 214 may be set to reach at least 4 OD. In more specific examples, the light guide 214 may be configured to reach at least about 5 OD or at least about 6 OD. In more specific examples, the light guide 214 may be configured to reach at least about 7 OD or at least about 8 OD. Other features of the detector 200 may be configured to reduce electrical crosstalk and optical crosstalk.

[0220] refer to Fig.15 , describes further details of the process control system 310. According to one example, the process control system 310 may include one or more processors 3101, a memory 3102, and one or more input / output interfaces 3103. The one or more processors 3101, the memory 3102, and the one or more input / output interfaces may be connected via a system bus 3104. According to one example, the process control system 310 may be composed of Fig.15 The computer system described herein provides. Memory 3102 may include a combination of system memory and storage device memory. According to one example, memory 3102 may store one or more programs for facilitating the processes described herein. One or more processors 3101 may run one or more programs stored in memory 3102 to facilitate the processes described herein. Memory 3102 may define a computer readable medium.

[0221] refer to Fig.16 and Fig.17 The DNA sequencing process facilitated by the light energy stimulator 10 is described. Fig.16, shows a spectral profile coordination diagram illustrating various aspects of the operation of the system 100. According to one example, the light source group 1002 may include a light source that emits light of a first different wavelength and a second different wavelength. Arranging the light source group 1002 to include a light source that emits excitation light of a first different wavelength range and a second different wavelength range facilitates a dye chemistry DNA sequence reconstruction process, wherein the first dye and the second dye may be disposed in a fluid within the flow channel 282.

[0222] Fig.16 The spectral profile 1702 shown illustrates a green light source (e.g., such as Figure 4 Spectral profile 1712 is the excitation wavelength emission band of the blue light source (such as light source 102A) of the light energy exciter 10. Figure 4 Spectral profile 1704 is an absorption band spectral profile of a first fluorophore sensitive to green light, which can be disposed in the flow channel 282 together with the fluid. Spectral profile 1714 is an absorption band spectral profile of a second fluorophore sensitive to blue light, which can be disposed in the flow channel 282 together with the fluid. Spectral profile 1707 is an absorption band spectral profile of a third fluorophore sensitive to green and blue light, which can be disposed in the flow channel 282 together with the fluid.

[0223] Spectral profile 1706 is a partial spectral profile of emission signal light 501, which is attributable to a first fluorophore that fluoresces when excited by green light having spectral profile 1702. Spectral profile 1716 is a partial spectral profile of emission signal light 501, which is attributable to a second fluorophore that fluoresces when excited by blue light having spectral profile 1712. Spectral profile 1708 is a partial spectral profile of emission signal light 501, which is attributable to a third fluorophore that fluoresces when excited by green light having spectral profile 1702. Spectral profile 1709 is a partial spectral profile of emission signal light 501, which is attributable to a third fluorophore that fluoresces when excited by blue light having spectral profile 1712.

[0224] Spectral profile 1730 is a transmission spectral profile of light sensor 202 defining light sensor array 201 , which indicates a detection band of light sensor array 201 .

[0225] Examples in this article reference Fig.16The spectral profile coordination diagram recognizes that the process control system 310 can be configured to: (a) determine that a first fluorophore is attached to the sample 502 based on fluorescence sensed by the light sensor 202 under excitation limited to excitation by one or more green-emitting light sources and no fluorescence sensed by the light sensor 202 under excitation limited to excitation by one or more blue-emitting light sources; (b) determine that a second fluorophore is attached to the sample 502 based on fluorescence sensed by the light sensor 202 under excitation limited to excitation by one or more blue-emitting light sources and no fluorescence sensed by the light sensor 202 under excitation limited to excitation by one or more green-emitting light sources; and (c) determine that a third fluorophore is attached to the sample 502 based on fluorescence sensed by the light sensor 202 under excitation limited to excitation by one or more green-emitting light sources and fluorescence also sensed by the light sensor 202 under excitation limited to excitation by one or more blue-emitting light sources. The process control system 310 can identify which fluorophores have been attached to the sample and can determine the types of nucleotides, e.g., A, C, T, and G, present in the fragment of the DNA chain providing the sample 502, for example using a decision logic data structure indicated by a decision logic table of Table C which maps the presence of fluorophores to nucleotide types, wherein the identified nucleotides, i.e., nucleotide-nucleotide 4, are nucleotides of nucleotide types A, C, T, and G (based on a specific mapping of the test set parameters).

[0226] Table C

[0227]

[0228] The process control system 310 may run the process supporting DNA sequence reconstruction in multiple cycles. In each cycle, a different portion of the DNA fragment may be subjected to sequencing processing to determine the nucleotide type associated with the fragment, such as A, C, T, or G, for example, using a decision data structure, such as the decision data structure set forth in Table C. Fig.17 Various aspects of a process that may be executed by the process control system 310 for performing DNA sequence reconstruction using the light energy stimulator 10 are described in the flowchart of FIG.

[0229] At block 1802, the process control system 310 may purge the flow channel 282, meaning that the process control system 310 may remove fluid used during a previous cycle from the flow channel 282. At block 1804, the process control system 310 may input fluid having a plurality of fluorophores (e.g., a first fluorophore and a second fluorophore, or a first fluorophore, a second fluorophore, and a third fluorophore) into the flow channel 282. The first fluorophore and the second fluorophore may include, for example, absorption characteristics described with reference to the absorption band spectral profile 1704 and the absorption band spectral profile 1714, respectively, as described with reference to Fig.16The first fluorophore, the second fluorophore, and the third fluorophore may include, for example, the absorption characteristics described in reference to absorption band spectral profile 1704, absorption band spectral profile 1714, and absorption band spectral profile 1707, respectively, as described in reference to Fig.16 The spectral profile diagram describes the .

[0230] At block 1806, the process control system 310 may read a signal from the light sensor 202 exposed with the first wavelength range excitation activity. At block 1806, the process control system 310 may control the light energy stimulator 10 so that during the exposure period of the light sensor 202, the light energy stimulator 10 emits excitation light that is limited to being excited by the one or more green light sources. At block 1806, the process control system 310 may excite one or more green light sources (e.g., such as green light sources) of the light source group 1002 during the exposure period of the light sensor 202. Figure 4 Each of the light sources 102A-102G described in the embodiment of the present invention, and at the same time one or more blue light sources of the light source group (e.g., Figure 4 With the light source group 1002 controlled as described such that the green light sources are turned on and the blue light sources are turned off during the exposure period of the light sensor 202, at block 1806, the process control system 310 may read a first signal from the light sensor 202 exposed under excitation limited to excitation by one or more green light sources as described herein.

[0231] At block 1808, the process control system 310 may read a signal from the light sensor 202 exposed with the excitation activity in the second wavelength range. At block 1808, the process control system 310 may control the light energy stimulator 10 so that during the exposure period of the light sensor 202, the light energy stimulator 10 emits excitation light that is limited to being stimulated by the one or more blue light sources of the light energy stimulator 10. At block 1808, the process control system 310 may excite the one or more blue light sources (e.g., such as the one or more blue light sources of the light source group 1002) during the exposure period of the light sensor 202. Figure 4 Each of the light sources 102H-102J described in the embodiment of the present invention, and at the same time, one or more green light sources of the light source group (for example, Figure 4 With the light source group 1002 controlled as described such that the blue light source is turned on and the green light source is turned off during the exposure period of the light sensor 202, at block 1808, the process control system 310 may read out a second signal from the light sensor 202 exposed under excitation limited to excitation by the one or more blue light sources as described herein.

[0232] At block 1810, according to one example, the process control system 310 of the current cycle may process the first signal read at block 1806 and the second signal read at block 1808 to determine the nucleotide type of the DNA fragment to be tested during the current cycle, for example, using a decision data structure as set forth in Table C. The process control system 310 may execute a reference for each cycle of the DNA sequencing process. Fig.17 The described nucleotide identification process is described by the flowchart of FIG. 1 until nucleotide identification is performed for each scheduling cycle.

[0233] The process control system 310 may be configured to perform a wide range of tests for testing the operation of the system 100. The process control system 310 may perform calibration tests in which the operation of the light energy exciter 10 and the detector 200 are tested. In such examples, the process control system 310 may be configured to selectively excite different light sources during an exposure period of the light sensor array 201, and may examine signals read out from the light sensor array 201 during the exposure period. One method may include: selectively exciting a first light source (e.g., emitting green light) during a first exposure period of the light sensor, and maintaining a second (emitting blue light) and a third (e.g., emitting red light) light source in a deactivated state; selectively exciting a second light source during a second exposure period of the light sensor, and maintaining the first and third light sources in a deactivated state; and selectively exciting a third light source during a third exposure period of the light sensor, and maintaining the first and second light sources in a deactivated state.

[0234] refer to Fig.18 A timing diagram illustrating control of LEDs defining light source group 1002 is set forth. Fig.18 The timing diagram of illustrates the coordination between illumination control and camera detector control during a continuous cycle for performing sequence reconstruction. Fig.18 2, the control signal 2202 is a control signal for controlling the green LED of the light source group 1002. Referring to the control signal 2202, the power supply 1210 ( Figure 5B and Figure 5C ) to change the current level used to drive the green LED between a zero current level and a high current level H.

[0235] When the current level is at H, the green LED may be turned on, and when the current level is at zero, the green LED may be turned off. Control signal 2212 illustrates control of the current across the blue LED of light source group 1002 over time with the control voltage level varying between zero and a high current level H. The indicated time T1 illustrates the on time of the LED of light source group 1002 within a continuous cycle. In some examples, the chemical process may be performed at a time period in the middle of the depicted cycle. In some examples, the chemical process may be performed at a time period within the depicted cycle.

[0236] exist Fig.18 In the timing diagram of , cycles N, N+1, N+2 and N+3 are indicated. Fig.18 The timing diagram of control signals 2226 illustrates the camera detector control timing. The detector 200, which defines one or more light sensor arrays 201 (cameras) defined by an array of light sensors 202, can be controlled by using exposure control signals and readout control signals.

[0237] Refer to Fig.18 Each cycle may include about 20 seconds. The illumination on time T1 may include about 20% of each cycle. Each cycle may include an illumination on time period T1, followed by a processing time period characterized by processing frame image data read out from the detector 200 defining the camera.

[0238] Control signal 2226 is a control signal for detector 200 (referred to as camera 1) having detector surface 206. In one example, detector 200 can be configured such that a leading edge of control signal 2226 initiates an exposure period for camera 1, and a falling edge of a pulse defining control signal 2226 initiates a signal readout from camera 1. Referring to control signals 2202, 2212, and 2226, as shown in FIG. Fig.18 As indicated by blocks 1806 and 1808 of the flowchart of , the detector 200 may be controlled to have first and second exposure and readout times for each cycle. Referring to the exposure and readout control depicted by control signal 2226, the first exposure period of each signal may be an exposure period, or for each cycle exposure period, the first frame of emission light 501 produced by excitation of the green LED in the second exposure period may be an exposure period for exposing the light sensor of the detector 200 by emission light 501 produced by excitation of the blue LED. Thus, the first pulse of each cycle may define the first exposure period of the cycle, and the second pulse of each cycle may define the second exposure period of each cycle. Referring to timeline 2228, timeline 2228 depicts a processing period F for processing a readout frame of data. G, wherein the emission signal light 501 is generated by the excitation of the green light LED, and the processing period F depicted by the time line 2229 B is a processing period for processing a frame of image data read out from detector 200. Control signal 2203 describes alternative control of the green LEDs of light source group 1002, and control signal 2213 describes alternative control excitation of the blue LEDs of light source group 1002 when exposed to emission light 501 generated by excitation of the blue LEDs of light source group 1002. According to one example, it is defined that the LEDs of light source group 1002 can be overdriven beyond their maximum current rating.

[0239] The examples herein recognize that the LEDs defining the light source group 1002 can be advantageously driven to exceed their factory rated maximum current ratings. Control signal 2203 illustrates overdriving of a green LED, and control signal 2213 depicts overdriving of a blue LED. According to control signal 2203 and control signal 2213, overdriving can include overdriving the group of LEDs by applying a current twice the rated maximum current load of the LED. However, overdriving can include any current value that causes the LED to be overdriven, such as 3M, 4M, where M is the maximum rated current. The examples herein recognize that, assuming that the LEDs defining the light source group 1002 are controlled to cool in order to safely avoid the maximum LED temperature, the LEDs defining the light source group can be advantageously overdriven to produce an increased irradiance of the detector surface 206-206D. Control signal 2203 and control signal 2213 depict LED control, wherein the LED group has an on time and an off time. The examples herein recognize that the presence of the off time can promote the cooling of the LED.

[0240] Control signals 2232, 2242, and 2256 illustrate control of the green LED of light source group 1002B, the blue LED of light source group 1002B, and detector 200B (camera 2) having detector surface 206B associated with light source group 1002B.

[0241] Control signals 2262, 2272, and 2286 illustrate control of the green LEDs of light source group 1002C, the blue LEDs of light source group 1002C, and the light sensor array 201 (camera 3) of detector 200C having detector surface 206C, respectively.

[0242] Control signals 2292, 2302 and 2316 illustrate control of a green LED of the light source group at D, a blue LED of the light source group at D, and a detector 200D (camera 4) having a detector surface 206D, respectively.

[0243] Fig.18The timing diagram of FIG. 1 illustrates different light source groups 1002, 1002B, 1002C, 1002D ( Fig.18 The LEDs of group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4) may include coordinated timing so that overlapping illumination in time can be avoided, for example, in one example, LEDs of a common wavelength band between different light source groups may be excited asynchronously. Fig.18 The asynchronous timing shown can be advantageous for thermal management, but other examples can feature lighting coordination such that the lighting in time between light source groups 1002, 1002B, 1002C, 1002D does overlap and in some cases is synchronized to completely overlap. In one example, all green LEDs from all light source groups 1002, 1002B, 1002C, 1002D can be controlled to be turned on simultaneously during the described cycle, and all blue LEDs from all light source groups 1002, 1002B, 1002C, 1002D can be controlled to be turned on simultaneously during the described cycle. In one example, all green LEDs selectively from light source groups 1002, 1002B can be controlled to be turned on simultaneously during the described cycle, and all blue LEDs selectively from light source groups 1002, 1002B can be controlled to be turned on simultaneously during the described cycle. In one example, selectively all green LEDs from light source groups 1002C, 1002D may be controlled to be on simultaneously during the described cycle, and selectively all blue LEDs from light source groups 1002C, 1002D may be controlled to be on simultaneously during the described cycle.

[0244] Refer again Fig. 8A , different light source groups 1002, 1002B, 1002C, 1002D can be mounted on different spaced light source group carrying areas 1050 of the printed circuit board 1020. In one example, the printed circuit board 1020 can carry a circuit board for each of the different light source groups 1002, 1002B, 1002C, 1002D according to Figure 5B and / or Figure 5CThe printed circuit board 1020 may have mounted thereon a first power supply 1210 (LED driver) for driving the light source group 1002, a second power supply 1210 (LED driver) for driving the light source group 1002B, a third power supply 1210 (LED driver) for driving the light source group 1002C, and a fourth power supply 1210 (LED driver) for driving the light source group 1002D. The light energy stimulator 10 may employ a multiplexing circuit on the printed circuit board 1020, which may reduce the number of LED drivers. In one example, the light energy stimulator 10 may include fewer power supplies 1210 (LED drivers) than the number of light source groups 1002-1002D, and multiplexing may be employed so that the same driver may drive LEDs of different printed circuit boards of the spaced-apart printed circuit boards 1020 at different times. In accordance with Fig.18 In one example, the light energy exciter 10 may include a single power supply 1210 (LED driver). At the first portion of each depicted cycle, the driver may be multiplexed for excitation of the LEDs of light source group 1002. At the second portion of each depicted cycle, the driver may be multiplexed for excitation of the LEDs of light source group 1002B. At the third portion of each depicted cycle, the driver may be multiplexed for excitation of the LEDs of light source group 1002C. At the fourth portion of each depicted cycle, the driver may be multiplexed for excitation of the LEDs of light source group 1002D.

[0245] In one example, all green LEDs selectively from light source groups 1002, 1002B may be controlled to be turned on simultaneously during the described cycle, and all blue LEDs selectively from light source groups 1002, 1002B may be controlled to be turned on simultaneously during the described cycle, and further in this case, all green LEDs selectively from light source groups 1002C, 1002D may be controlled to be turned on simultaneously during the described cycle, and all blue LEDs selectively from light source groups 1002C, 1002D may be controlled to be turned on simultaneously during the described cycle. In the described example, the light energy exciter 10 may include a first power supply and a second power supply (LED driver). In the first part of each cycle, the first driver and the second driver may be multiplexed to control all green LEDs of light source group 1002 and light source group 100B to be turned on simultaneously. In the second part of each cycle, the first driver and the second driver may be multiplexed to control all blue LEDs of light source group 1002 and light source group 100B to be turned on simultaneously. In the third part of each cycle, the first driver and the second driver can be multiplexed to control all green LEDs of light source group 1002C and light source group 100D to be turned on at the same time. In the fourth part of each cycle, the first driver and the second driver can be multiplexed to control all blue LEDs of light source group 1002C and light source group 100D to be turned on at the same time.

[0246] Fig.19 Cooling of the light source group 1002 is illustrated. Fig.19 It is illustrated that the entire cycle may take about 20 seconds, wherein the time corresponding to T1 (depicted as Fig.18 The lighting on time of time T1) may include approximately 20% of the time of each cycle. Fig.18 It is illustrated that between illumination on-times of light source group 1002, the LEDs may be allowed to cool from a maximum temperature. Fig.19 It is illustrated that for the first few cycles, the maximum temperature of the group of LEDs may be relatively low, and then after a few cycles, the maximum LED temperature may rise to a new maximum value, e.g. Fig.19 As shown, the initial maximum LED temperature may be about 83 degrees Celsius, and after cycle 4, the maximum LED temperature may rise to about 90 degrees Celsius, but then Fig.19 Following cycle 4 shown, the maximum LED temperature may be relatively consistent for each consecutive cycle, with the LED temperature dropping significantly in the middle of the illumination on-time.

[0247] refer to Fig.18 The timing diagram, control signals 2202, 2212, it can be seen that the first narrowband wavelength ( Fig.18 The off time of a group of LEDs of the light source group 1002 of the green light in the second narrowband wavelength ( Fig.18 In one example, control signals 2202 and 2212 may be configured to establish a sequencing of the on-times between the LEDs of the first narrowband wavelength and the second narrowband wavelength in a manner that depends on which LEDs (the first narrowband wavelength or alternatively the second narrowband wavelength) will generate less total heat due to being energized. In one example, a method may include identifying which of the first or second narrowband LEDs (e.g., green or blue) of light source group 1002 will generate less total heat due to being energized. Fig.18 1002; selecting the determined group of narrow-band LEDs generating the lowest total heat as the LEDs for initial excitation; and controlling the excitation sequencing between the first and second groups of narrow-band LEDs so that the group of narrow-band LEDs generating the determined lower total heat is excited before the remaining groups in the first or second groups of narrow-band LEDs. Control of the LEDs may be performed so that the off time of the selected initially excited group of narrow-band LEDs (e.g., blue or green) begins at the beginning of the on time of the second excited group of narrow-band LEDs. The examples herein recognize that energizing the group of narrow-band LEDs generating the lower total heat first in the sequencing between the groups of LEDs may improve the total heat removal from the printed circuit board 1020 carrying the light source group 1002. With the improved heat removal, the LEDs of the light source group 1002 may be driven at a higher current for improved irradiance on the detector surface. Determining which of the first or second groups of narrow-band LEDs generates a lower total heat may include: checking data output from one or more temperature sensors disposed on a printed circuit board according to printed circuit board 1020 when the first group of narrow-band LEDs (e.g., green or blue) are independently driven; and checking data output from a temperature sensor disposed on a test printed circuit board according to printed circuit board 1020 when the remaining second group of narrow-band LEDs (e.g., green or blue) are independently driven. The printed circuit board according to printed circuit board 1020 on which one or more temperature sensors may be disposed may be provided by, for example, a physical lab board designed according to printed circuit board 1020, a simulated circuit board, or an actual printed circuit board 1020.

[0248] References Fig. 20 A method is described, the method including at block 1910, by emitting excitation light 101 (e.g., Figure 1A ), wherein the light energy exciter includes a first group of light sources and a second group of light sources (e.g., Figure 4), the first group of light sources is used to emit excitation light in a first wavelength emission band, and the second group of light sources is used to emit excitation light in a second wavelength emission band; in box 1920, the excitation light 101 and the emission signal light 501 generated by the excitation of the excitation light 10 are received by the detector 200, the detector 200 includes a detector surface 206 for supporting a biological or chemical sample 502 and a sensor array 201 spaced apart from the detector surface 206, the detector 200 blocks the excitation light 101 and allows the emission signal light 501 to propagate toward the light sensor 202 of the sensor array 201; and at box 1930, depending on the photons sensed by the light sensor 202 of the sensor array 201, through the circuit of the detector (for example, Fig.14 ) transmits a data signal. The method may also be performed, wherein the method includes determining which of the first group of light sources or the second group of light sources generates less total heat when excited, and selecting an excitation order for the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources based on the determination. The method may also be performed, wherein the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources are carried by a printed circuit board, wherein the method includes checking thermal data of the printed circuit board, and selecting an excitation order for the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources based on the checking. Checking the thermal data of the printed circuit board may include checking the thermal properties of the printed circuit board 1020, or checking the thermal properties of the printed circuit board according to the printed circuit board 1020, as described herein. The method may also be performed, wherein the method includes exciting the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources based on the order, so that the group of light sources that generates a lesser amount of total heat when excited is excited is excited first in the order.

[0249] A small sample of the combinations expressed herein include the following: A1. A system comprising: a light energy stimulator, the light energy stimulator comprising: a plurality of light sources; a light pipe for homogenizing excitation light from a light source among the plurality of light sources and guiding the excitation light from the light source, the light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the light source; a second light pipe for homogenizing excitation light from a second light source among the plurality of light sources and guiding the excitation light from the second light source, the second light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the second light source; a detector, the detector comprising: a detector surface for supporting a biological or chemical sample; and a sensor array comprising light sensors spaced apart from the detector surface, wherein the detectors receive the excitation light from the light energy stimulator and emit signal light; a mounting assembly for mounting the light pipe and the second light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly aligns the light pipe with the light source and aligns the second light pipe with the second light source. A2. The system of A1, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a support structure having a member defining a cavity, the light pipe mount having the light pipe attached thereto, the light pipe mount being attached to the support structure such that the light pipe extends through the cavity. A3. The system of A1, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a support structure having a member defining a cavity, the light pipe mount having the light pipe attached thereto, the light pipe mount being attached to the support structure such that the light pipe extends through the cavity without contacting the support structure. A4. The system of A1 to A3, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the light pipe such that the light incident surface of the light pipe is spaced apart from the light source, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the second light pipe such that the light incident surface of the second light pipe is spaced apart from the second light source. A5. The system of any one of A1 to A4, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the light pipe such that an outer boundary of the light pipe is provided by air, and wherein the mounting assembly is attached to the light pipe by an adhesive having a refractive index that matches the refractive index of air. A6. The system of any one of A1 to A5, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the light pipe such that an outer boundary of the light pipe is provided by air. A7. The system of any one of A1 to A6, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe on a single side of the light pipe. A8. The system of any one of A1 to A6, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact location of the light pipe.A9. A system according to any one of A1 to A3, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact location of the light pipe, wherein the single contact location includes an adhesive that matches the refractive index of air. A10. A system according to any one of A1 to A9, wherein the mounting assembly includes: a support structure that extends forward from the light source and the second light source; a light pipe mount that carries the light pipe and is removably attached to the support structure; and a second light pipe mount that carries the second light pipe and is removably attached to the support structure. A11. A system according to any one of A1 to A10, wherein the detector includes circuitry for transmitting a data signal dependent on photons detected by a light sensor of the sensor array, wherein the detector blocks the excitation light and allows the emission signal light to propagate toward the light sensor. A12. A system according to any one of A1 to A11, wherein the light energy exciter includes a lens that focuses an object plane defined by a light exit surface of the light pipe onto an image plane defined by a surface of the detector. A13. A system according to any one of A1 to A12, wherein the multiple light sources include light emitting diodes surface-coupled to the light incident surface of the light pipe, wherein the light pipe includes glass, wherein the light pipe has a conical structure and includes an increasing diameter throughout the length of the light pipe in a direction from the light incident surface of the light pipe to the light exit surface of the light pipe, the light pipe reflects excitation light so that the light pipe exit light rays leaving the light exit surface of the light pipe define a divergent light cone that diverges relative to the optical axis of the light energy exciter, wherein the light energy exciter includes a lens that receives the excitation light from the light pipe and shapes the light of the excitation light so that the light exit light rays leaving the lens define a converging light cone that converges relative to the optical axis of the light energy exciter, wherein the light energy exciter includes one or more filters to filter light having a wavelength longer than the cumulative emission band of the wavelengths of the multiple light sources. B1. A photo-energy exciter, comprising: a light source group, the light source group being used to emit excitation light; and a light pipe, the light pipe homogenizing the excitation light and guiding the excitation light toward the distal end of the photo-energy exciter, the light pipe comprising a light incident surface and a light exit surface, the light pipe receiving the excitation light from the light source group. B2. A photo-energy exciter according to B1, wherein the light source group comprises light sources connected in parallel. B3. A photo-energy exciter according to B1, wherein the light source group comprises light sources connected in series. B4. A photo-energy exciter according to B1, wherein the light source group comprises light sources connected in parallel provided by vertical LEDs. B5. A photo-energy exciter according to B1, wherein the light source group comprises light sources connected in series provided by flip-chip LEDs.B6. A light energy stimulator according to B1, wherein the light source group includes light sources connected in parallel, wherein the anodes of the light sources defining the light source group are commonly connected to the metal core layer of the printed circuit board. B7. A light energy stimulator according to B1, wherein the light source group includes vertical LEDs connected in parallel, wherein the anodes of the vertical LEDs defining the light source group are commonly connected to the metal core layer of the printed circuit board. B8. A light energy stimulator according to any one of B1 to B2, wherein the light sources defining the light source group are commonly connected to the metal core layer of the printed circuit board. B9. A light energy stimulator according to B1, wherein the light source group includes light sources connected in parallel, wherein the parallel-connected light sources are provided by flip-chip LEDs. B10. A light energy stimulator according to B1, wherein the light source group includes light sources connected in series, wherein the series-connected light sources are provided by vertical LEDs. B11. A light energy stimulator according to any one of B1 to B3, wherein the light source group includes vertical LEDs. B12. A light energy stimulator according to any one of B1 to B3, wherein the light source group includes flip-chip LEDs. B13. A light energy stimulator according to any one of B1 to B3, wherein the light source group includes flip chip LEDs arranged in an array of rows and columns of flip chip LEDs with uniform spacing. B14. A light energy stimulator according to B1, wherein the light source group includes series-connected LEDs, wherein the series-connected LEDs are mounted to a printed circuit board, and the printed circuit board has a ceramic insulator. B15. A light energy stimulator according to B1, wherein the light source group includes series-connected LEDs, wherein the series-connected LEDs are mounted to a printed circuit board, and the printed circuit board has a ceramic insulator provided by the LEDs. B16. A light energy stimulator according to any one of B1 to B15, wherein the light energy stimulator includes a lens, and when the distal end of the light energy stimulator is coupled to a detector assembly, the lens images the object plane defined by the light exit surface onto an image plane defined by the detector surface of the detector.C1. A system, comprising: a light energy exciter, the light energy exciter comprising: a plurality of light sources; a light pipe, the light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the light source, the light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the light source; a second light pipe, the second light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a second light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the second light source, the second light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the second light source; a third light pipe, the third light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a third light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the second light source, the third light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from The excitation light from the third light source; a fourth light guide, the fourth light guide being used to homogenize the excitation light from the fourth light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the fourth light source, the fourth light guide comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the fourth light source; a lens, the lens receiving the excitation light from the light guide and the second light guide, and imaging the light exit surfaces of the light guide and the second light guide onto a detector surface of a detector and a second detector surface of a second detector, respectively; and a lens, the lens receiving the excitation light from the third light guide and the fourth light guide, and imaging the light exit surfaces of the light guide and the fourth light guide onto a third detector surface of a third detector and a fourth detector surface of a fourth detector, respectively. C2. A system according to C1, wherein the light source is arranged in a light source group, the second light source is arranged in the second light source group, the third light source is arranged in the third light source group, and wherein the fourth light source is arranged in the fourth light source group. D1. A method, comprising: emitting excitation light through a light energy exciter, wherein the light energy exciter comprises a group of light sources and a second group of light sources, wherein the group of light sources is used to emit excitation light in a first wavelength emission band, and the second group of light sources is used to emit excitation light in a second wavelength emission band; receiving the excitation light and emission signal light generated by the excitation of the excitation light through a detector, wherein the detector comprises a detector surface for supporting a biological or chemical sample and a sensor array spaced apart from the detector surface, wherein the detector blocks the excitation light and allows the emission signal light to propagate toward a light sensor of the sensor array; and transmitting a data signal through a circuit of the detector depending on photons sensed by the light sensors of the sensor array. D2. A method according to D1, wherein the method comprises determining which of the group of light sources or the second group of light sources generates less total heat when excited, and selecting an excitation sequence of the group of light sources and the second group of light sources depending on the determination.D3. A method according to any one of D1 to D2, wherein the group of light sources and the second group of light sources are carried by a printed circuit board, wherein the method includes checking thermal data of the printed circuit board, and selecting an activation sequence of the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources based on the checking. D4. A method according to any one of D1 to D3, wherein the method includes activating the group of light sources and the second group of light sources according to a sequence such that the group of light sources that generates the lesser amount of total heat when activated is activated first in the sequence. E1. A system comprising: a light energy exciter, the light energy exciter comprising: a light pipe for homogenizing excitation light from a light source group and guiding the excitation light from the light source group, the light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the light source group; a second light pipe for homogenizing excitation light from a second light source group and guiding the excitation light from the second light source group, the second light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the second light source group; and a detector comprising: a detector surface for supporting a biological or chemical sample; and a sensor array comprising light sensors spaced apart from the detector surface, wherein the detector receives the excitation light from the light energy exciter and emits signal light. E2. A system according to E1, wherein the light source group is mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source group is mounted on a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area. E3. A system according to E1, wherein the light source group is mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source group is mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the thermal resistance between the corresponding light source group of the light source group and the second light source group and the heat sink is less than the thermal resistance between the light source group and the second light source group. E4. A system according to E1, wherein the light source group is mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source group is mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the second area and the area are surface modified areas of the printed circuit board having a surface modification, characterized in that an insulating layer and a metal wiring layer are removed. E5. A system according to any one of E1 to E4, wherein the exiting light of the light pipe and the second light pipe is generally received by a lens, the lens shaping the exiting light to project a light pattern and a second light pattern onto a camera integrated circuit having a detector and a second detector, wherein the light pattern is projected by the lens onto a detector surface of the detector, and wherein the second light pattern is projected by the lens onto a second detector surface of the second detector.F1. A system, comprising: a light energy exciter, the light energy exciter comprising: a light pipe, the light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a light source group and guide the excitation light from the light source group, the light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the light source group; a second light pipe, the second light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a second light source group and guide the excitation light from the second light source group, the second light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the second light source group, wherein the light source group is mounted on an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source group is mounted on a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the second area and the area are the printed circuit board having a surface modification. A surface modified region of a printed circuit board, characterized in that one or more layers of the printed circuit board are removed; and a detector, the detector comprising: a detector surface, the detector surface being used to support a biological or chemical sample; and a sensor array, the sensor array comprising a light sensor spaced apart from the detector surface, wherein the detector receives excitation light and emission signal light from the light energy exciter, wherein the exiting light of the light pipe and the second light pipe is generally received by a lens, the lens shaping the exiting light to project a light pattern and a second light pattern onto a camera integrated circuit having a detector and a second detector, wherein the light pattern is projected by the lens onto a detector surface of the detector, and wherein the second light pattern is projected by the lens onto a second detector surface of the second detector. G1. A mounting assembly comprising: a light pipe mount, the light pipe mount being used to mount the light pipe relative to a light source; and a second light pipe mount, the second light pipe mount being used to mount a second light pipe relative to a second light source. G2. A mounting assembly according to G1, wherein the mounting assembly is configured to facilitate mounting of the second light pipe independently of mounting of the light pipe. G3. A mounting assembly according to any one of G1 to G2, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe on a single side of the light pipe. G4. A mounting assembly according to any one of G1 to G2, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe. G5. A mounting assembly according to any one of G1 to G4, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure. G6. A mounting assembly according to any one of G1 to G4, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure below a horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure above the horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe.G7. A mounting assembly according to any one of G1 to G4, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount contacts the light pipe on a first side of the light pipe, and wherein the second light pipe mount contacts the second light pipe on a second side of the second light pipe opposite the first side. G8. A mounting assembly according to any one of G1 to G4, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is removably mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is removably mounted to the support structure. G9. A mounting assembly according to any one of G1 to G4, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is removably screw mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is removably screw mounted to the support structure. G10. A mounting assembly according to any one of G1 to G4, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure having a cavity, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, the light pipe extends through the cavity. G11. A mounting assembly according to any one of G1 to G4, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure having a cavity, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, the light pipe extends through the cavity, the diameter of the cavity being greater than the diameter of the light pipe, such that when the light pipe extends through the cavity, the light pipe does not contact a side wall defining the cavity. G12. A mounting assembly according to any one of G1 to G11, wherein the light source is disposed in a light source group, and wherein the second light source is disposed in a second light source group spaced apart from the light source group. G13. A mounting assembly according to any one of G1 to G11, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted relative to the light source, there is a standoff distance between the light pipe and the light source, and further such that when the second light pipe mount is mounted relative to the second light source, there is a defined standoff distance between the second light pipe and the second light source. G14. A mounting assembly according to any one of G1 to G13, wherein the light source is mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source is mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area.G15. A mounting assembly according to any one of G1 to G13, wherein the light source is mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source is mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the second area and the area are surface modified areas of the printed circuit board having surface modification, characterized in that one or more layers of the printed circuit board are removed. G16. A mounting assembly according to any one of G1 to G13, wherein the light source is included in a light source group mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source is included in a second light source group mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the second area and the area are surface modified areas of the printed circuit board having surface modification, characterized in that an insulating layer and a conductive metal wiring layer are removed. H1. A mounting assembly comprising: a structural member, the structural member carrying a light pipe; and a second structural member, the second structural member carrying a second light pipe. H2. A mounting assembly according to H1, wherein the structural member and the second structural member are separate non-continuous pieces of material. H3. A mounting assembly according to any one of H1 to H2, wherein the mounting assembly is configured to facilitate installation of the second light pipe independent of installation of the light pipe. H4. A mounting assembly according to any one of H1 to H3, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe on a single side of the light pipe. H5. A mounting assembly according to any one of H1 to H3, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe. H6. A mounting assembly according to any one of H1 to H5, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted relative to a light source, there is a standoff distance between the light pipe and the light source, and further such that when the second light pipe mount is mounted relative to a second light source, there is a defined standoff distance between the second light pipe and the second light source. H7. A mounting assembly according to any one of H1 to H6, wherein the light pipe is aligned with the light source, and wherein the second light pipe is aligned with the second light source. H8. A mounting assembly according to any one of H1 to H6, wherein the light pipe is aligned with a light source of a light source group, and wherein the second light pipe is aligned with a second light source of a second light source group. H9. An installation component according to any one of H1 to H8, wherein the light pipe is aligned with a light source mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light pipe is aligned with a second light source mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the second area and the area are surface modified areas of the printed circuit board having a surface modification, characterized in that one or more layers of the printed circuit board are removed.I1. A mounting assembly comprising: a light pipe mount for mounting a light pipe relative to a light source; and a second light pipe mount for mounting a second light pipe relative to a second light source. I2. The mounting assembly of I1, wherein the mounting assembly is configured to facilitate mounting of the second light pipe independently of mounting of the light pipe. I3. The mounting assembly of any one of I1 to I2, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe on a single side of the light pipe. I4. The mounting assembly of any one of I1 to I2, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe. I5. The mounting assembly of any one of I1 to I2, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure. I6. The mounting assembly of I1, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure. I7. A mounting assembly according to any one of I1 to I4, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure below a horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure above the horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe. I8. A mounting assembly according to I1, wherein the mounting assembly is configured to facilitate installation of the second light pipe independent of installation of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure below a horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure above the horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe. I9. A mounting assembly according to any one of I1 to I8, wherein the light pipe mount contacts the light pipe on a first side of the light pipe, and wherein the second light pipe mount contacts the second light pipe on a second side of the second light pipe opposite to the first side thereof. I10. A mounting assembly according to any one of I5 to I8, wherein the light pipe mount is removably mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is removably mounted to the support structure.I11. The mounting assembly of I10, wherein the light pipe mount is removably screw mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is removably screw mounted to the support structure. I12. The mounting assembly of I11, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is removably screw mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is removably screw mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is removably screw mounted to the support structure below a horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe, and wherein the second light pipe mount is removably screw mounted to the support structure above the horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe. I13. A mounting assembly according to any one of I1 to I12, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure having a cavity, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure having the cavity, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, the light pipe extends through the cavity. I14. A mounting assembly according to I13, wherein the diameter of the cavity is greater than the diameter of the light pipe, such that when the light pipe extends through the cavity, the light pipe does not contact the side walls defining the cavity. I15. A mounting assembly according to I1, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure having a cavity, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure having the cavity, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, the light pipe extends through the cavity, the diameter of the cavity is greater than the diameter of the light pipe, such that when the light pipe extends through the cavity, the light pipe does not contact the side walls defining the cavity. I16. A mounting component according to any one of I1 to I15, wherein the light source is arranged in a light source group, and wherein the second light source is arranged in a second light source group spaced apart from the light source group. I17. A mounting component according to I1, wherein the light source is arranged in a light source group, and wherein the second light source is arranged in a second light source group spaced apart from the light source group, wherein the light source group is characterized by one or more of the following selected from the group consisting of: the light source group includes parallel-connected light sources, the light source group includes series-connected light sources, the light sources defining the light source group are commonly connected to a metal core layer of a printed circuit board, the light source group includes vertical LEDs, and the light source group includes flip-chip LEDs.I18. A mounting assembly according to any one of I1 to I17, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted relative to the light source, there is a standoff distance between the light pipe and the light source, and further such that when the second light pipe mount is mounted relative to the second light source, there is a defined standoff distance between the second light pipe and the second light source. I19. A mounting assembly according to I1, wherein the mounting assembly is configured to facilitate installation of the second light pipe independent of installation of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure below a horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure above the horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is removably screwed to the support structure, and wherein the first A second light pipe mount is removably screw mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure having a cavity, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure having the cavity, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, the light pipe extends through the cavity, the diameter of the cavity is greater than the diameter of the light pipe, so that when the light pipe extends through the cavity, the light pipe does not contact a side wall defining the cavity, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted relative to the light source, there is a standoff distance between the light pipe and the light source, and further such that when the second light pipe mount is mounted relative to the second light source, there is a defined standoff distance between the second light pipe and the second light source. I20. A mounting assembly according to any one of I1 to I19, wherein the light source is mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source is mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area. I21. The mounting assembly according to I21, wherein the second region and the region are surface modified regions of a printed circuit board having a surface modification, characterized in that one or more layers of the printed circuit board are removed.I22. An installation component according to any one of I1 to I21, wherein the light source is included in a light source group installed at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source is included in a second light source group installed at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being separated from the area, wherein the second area and the area are surface modified areas of the printed circuit board having surface modification, characterized in that the insulating layer and the conductive metal wiring layer are removed. I23. A mounting assembly according to I1, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure below a horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure above the horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is removably screwed to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is removably screwed to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure having a cavity, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure having the cavity, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, the light pipe extends through the cavity, and the cavity a diameter greater than that of the light pipe such that when the light pipe extends through the cavity, the light pipe does not contact a side wall defining the cavity, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted relative to the light source, a standoff distance exists between the light pipe and the light source, and further such that when the second light pipe mount is mounted relative to the second light source, a defined standoff distance exists between the second light pipe and the second light source, wherein the light source is included in a light source group mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source is included in a second light source group mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the second area and the area are surface modified areas of the printed circuit board having a surface modification, characterized in that an insulating layer and a conductive metal wiring layer are removed, wherein the light source group is characterized by one or more of the following selected from the group consisting of: the light source group includes parallel-connected light sources, the light source group includes series-connected light sources, the light sources defining the light source group are commonly connected to a metal core layer of a printed circuit board, the light source group includes vertical LEDs, and the light source group includes flip-chip LEDs.I24. A mounting assembly according to I1, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact location of the light pipe, wherein the single contact location includes an adhesive that matches the refractive index of air. J1. A mounting assembly comprising: a light pipe mount for mounting the light pipe relative to a light source; and a second light pipe mount for mounting a second light pipe relative to a second light source, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a support structure having a cavity, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure having the cavity, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, the light pipe extends through the cavity, the diameter of the cavity being greater than the diameter of the light pipe, such that when the light pipe extends through the cavity, the light pipe does not contact a side wall defining the cavity. K1. A mounting assembly comprising: a light pipe mounting member, the light pipe mounting member being used to mount a light pipe relative to a light source; and a second light pipe mounting member, the second light pipe mounting member being used to mount a second light pipe relative to a second light source, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a support structure, wherein the light pipe mounting member is mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mounting member is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a support structure, wherein the light pipe mounting member is mounted to the support structure below a horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe, and wherein the second light pipe mounting member is mounted to the support structure above the horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a support structure, wherein the light pipe mounting member is removably screwed to the support structure. a support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is removably screw mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure having a cavity, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure having the cavity, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, the light pipe extends through the cavity, the cavity having a diameter greater than a diameter of the light pipe so that when the light pipe extends through the cavity, the light pipe does not contact a side wall defining the cavity, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted relative to the light source, a standoff distance exists between the light pipe and the light source, and further such that when the second light pipe mount is mounted relative to the second light source, a defined standoff distance exists between the second light pipe and the second light source.K2. A system comprising: a light energy exciter, the light energy exciter comprising: a plurality of light sources; a light pipe, the light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the light source, the light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the light source; a second light pipe, the second light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a second light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the second light source, the second light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the second light source; a detector, the detector comprising: a detector surface, the detector surface being used to support a biological or chemical sample; and a sensor array, the sensor array comprising light sensors spaced apart from the detector surface, wherein the detector receives the excitation light from the light energy exciter and emits signal light; a mounting assembly for mounting the light pipe and the second light pipe according to K1, wherein the mounting assembly aligns the light pipe with the light source, and aligns the second light pipe with the second light source.L1. A mounting assembly comprising: a light pipe mount for mounting a light pipe relative to a light source; and a second light pipe mount for mounting a second light pipe relative to a second light source, wherein the mounting assembly is configured to facilitate mounting of the second light pipe independently of mounting of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure below a horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure above the horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is removably screwed to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is removably screwed to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a support structure having a cavity, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure having the cavity. a support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, the light pipe extends through the cavity, the diameter of the cavity being greater than the diameter of the light pipe, such that when the light pipe extends through the cavity, the light pipe does not contact a side wall defining the cavity, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted relative to the light source, there is a standoff distance between the light pipe and the light source, and further such that when the second light pipe mount is mounted relative to the second light source, there is a defined standoff distance between the second light pipe and the second light source, wherein the light source is included in a group of light sources mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source is included in a second group of light sources mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the second area and the area are surface modified areas of the printed circuit board having a surface modification, characterized in that an insulating layer and a conductive metal wiring layer are removed, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact location of the light pipe, wherein the single contact location includes an adhesive that matches the refractive index of air. M1. A mounting assembly comprising: a structural member carrying a light pipe; and a second structural member carrying a second light pipe. M2. The mounting assembly of M1, wherein the structural member and the second structural member are separate non-continuous pieces of material.M3. A mounting assembly according to any one of M1 to M2, wherein the mounting assembly is configured to facilitate installation of the second light pipe independent of installation of the light pipe. M4. A mounting assembly according to any one of M1 to M3, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe on a single side of the light pipe. M5. A mounting assembly according to any one of M1 to M4, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe. M6. A mounting assembly according to M1, wherein the structural member and the second structural member are separate non-continuous pieces of material, wherein the mounting assembly is configured to facilitate installation of the second light pipe independent of installation of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe. M7. A mounting assembly according to any one of M1 to M6, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted relative to a light source, there is a standoff distance between the light pipe and the light source, and further such that when the second light pipe mount is mounted relative to a second light source, there is a defined standoff distance between the second light pipe and the second light source. M8. A mounting assembly according to any one of M1 to M7, wherein the light pipe is aligned with a light source, and wherein the second light pipe is aligned with a second light source. M9. A mounting assembly according to any one of M1 to M8, wherein the light pipe is aligned with a light source of a light source group, and wherein the second light pipe is aligned with a second light source of a second light source group. M10. A mounting assembly according to any one of M1 to M9, wherein the light pipe is aligned with a light source mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light pipe is aligned with a second light source mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the second area and the area are surface modified areas of the printed circuit board having a surface modification, characterized in that one or more layers of the printed circuit board are removed.M11. A mounting assembly according to M1, wherein the structural member and the second structural member are separate non-continuous pieces of material, wherein the mounting assembly is configured to facilitate installation of the second light pipe independent of installation of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted relative to a light source, there is a standoff distance between the light pipe and the light source, and further such that when the second light pipe mount is mounted relative to a second light source, there is a defined standoff distance between the second light pipe and the second light source, wherein the light pipe is aligned with the light source mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light pipe is aligned with the second light source mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the second area and the area are surface modified areas of the printed circuit board having a surface modification, characterized in that one or more layers of the printed circuit board are removed. M12. A mounting assembly according to M1, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact location of the light pipe, wherein the single contact location includes an adhesive that matches the refractive index of air. N1. A mounting assembly comprising: a structural member that carries a light pipe; and a second structural member that carries a second light pipe, wherein the structural member and the second structural member are separate, non-continuous pieces of material, wherein the mounting assembly is configured to facilitate installation of the second light pipe independent of installation of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted relative to a light source, there is a separation distance between the light pipe and the light source, and further such that when the second light pipe mount is mounted relative to a second light source, there is a defined separation distance between the second light pipe and the second light source, wherein the light pipe is aligned with the light source mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light pipe is aligned with the second light source mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the second area and the area are surface modified areas of the printed circuit board having a surface modification, characterized in that one or more layers of the printed circuit board are removed.O1. A system, comprising: a light energy exciter, the light energy exciter comprising: a plurality of light sources; a light pipe, the light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the light source, the light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the light source; a second light pipe, the second light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a second light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the second light source, the second light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the second light source; a detector, the detector comprising: a detector surface, the detector surface being used to support a biological or chemical sample; and a sensor array, the sensor array comprising light sensors spaced apart from the detector surface, wherein the detectors receive the excitation light from the light energy exciter and emit signal light; a mounting assembly, the mounting assembly being used to mount the light pipe and the second light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly aligns the light pipe with the light source, and aligns the second light pipe with the second light source. O2. The system of O1, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a support structure having a member defining a cavity, the light pipe mount having the light pipe attached thereto, the light pipe mount being attached to the support structure such that the light pipe extends through the cavity. O3. The system of O1, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a support structure having a member defining a cavity, the light pipe mount having the light pipe attached thereto, the light pipe mount being attached to the support structure such that the light pipe extends through the cavity without contacting the support structure. O4. The system of any one of O1 to O3, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the light pipe such that the light incident surface of the light pipe is spaced apart from the light source, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the second light pipe such that the light incident surface of the second light pipe is spaced apart from the second light source. O5. The system of any one of O1 to O4, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the light pipe such that an outer boundary of the light pipe is provided by air, and wherein the mounting assembly is attached to the light pipe by an adhesive having a refractive index that matches the refractive index of air. O6. The system of O1, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the light pipe such that an outer boundary of the light pipe is provided by air, and wherein the mounting assembly is attached to the light pipe by an adhesive having a refractive index that matches the refractive index of air. O7. The system of any one of O1 to O6, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the light pipe such that an outer boundary of the light pipe is provided by air. O8. The system of any one of O1 to O7, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe on a single side of the light pipe.O9. A system according to any one of O1 to O8, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact location of the light pipe. O10. A system according to any one of O1 to O9, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact location of the light pipe, wherein the single contact location includes an adhesive that matches the refractive index of air. O11. A system according to any one of O1 to O10, wherein the mounting assembly includes: a support structure extending forward from the light source and the second light source; a light pipe mount, the light pipe mount carrying the light pipe, the light pipe mount being removably attached to the support structure; and a second light pipe mount, the second light pipe mount carrying the second light pipe, the second light pipe mount being removably attached to the support structure. O12. A system according to O1, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure and a light pipe mounting member, the support structure having a member defining a cavity, the light pipe mounting member having the light pipe attached thereto, the light pipe mounting member being attached to the support structure so that the light pipe extends through the cavity without contacting the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the light pipe so that an outer boundary of the light pipe is provided by air, and wherein the mounting assembly is attached to the light pipe by an adhesive having a refractive index that matches the refractive index of air, wherein the mounting assembly includes: a support structure extending forwardly from the light source and the second light source; a light pipe mounting member supporting a light guide assembly that carries the light guide, the light guide assembly being removably attached to the support structure; and a second light guide assembly that carries the second light guide, the second light guide assembly being removably attached to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the light guide so that the light incident surface of the light guide is spaced apart from the light source, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the second light guide so that the light incident surface of the second light guide is spaced apart from the second light source, wherein the system operates to determine which of a group of light sources or a second group of light sources generates less total heat when energized, and to select an energization order of the group of light sources and the second group of light sources depending on the determination. O13. A system according to any one of O1 to O12, wherein the detector includes circuitry for transmitting a data signal depending on photons detected by a light sensor of the sensor array, wherein the detector blocks the energizing light and allows the emission signal light to propagate toward the light sensor. O14. A system according to any one of O1 to O13, wherein the light energy exciter includes a lens that focuses an object plane defined by a light exit surface of the light guide onto an image plane defined by a surface of the detector.O15. A system according to any one of O1 to O14, wherein the multiple light sources include light emitting diodes surface-coupled to the light incident surface of the light pipe, wherein the light pipe includes glass, wherein the light pipe has a conical structure and includes an increasing diameter throughout the length of the light pipe in a direction from the light incident surface of the light pipe to the light exit surface of the light pipe, the light pipe reflects excitation light so that the light pipe exit light rays leaving the light exit surface of the light pipe define a divergent light cone that diverges relative to the optical axis of the light energy exciter, wherein the light energy exciter includes a lens that receives the excitation light from the light pipe and shapes the light of the excitation light so that the light exit light rays leaving the lens define a converging light cone that converges relative to the optical axis of the light energy exciter, wherein the light energy exciter includes one or more filters to filter light having a wavelength longer than the cumulative emission band of the wavelengths of the multiple light sources. O16. A system according to O1, wherein the system is operated to determine which of a group of light sources or a second group of light sources generates less total heat when energized, and selects an energization order of the group of light sources and the second group of light sources based on the determination.P1. A system, comprising: a light energy exciter, the light energy exciter comprising: a plurality of light sources; a light pipe, the light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the light source, the light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the light source; a second light pipe, the second light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a second light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the second light source, the second light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the second light source; a detector, the detector comprising: a detector surface, the detector surface being used to support a biological or chemical sample; and a sensor array, the sensor array comprising light sensors spaced apart from the detector surface, wherein the detector receives the excitation light from the light energy exciter and emits a signal light; a mounting assembly, the mounting assembly being used to mount the light pipe and the second light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly aligns the light pipe with the light source, and aligns the second light pipe with the second light source, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a support structure and a light pipe mounting member, the support structure having a member defining a cavity, the light a conduit mount having the light conduit attached thereto, the light conduit mount being attached to the support structure such that the light conduit extends through the cavity without contacting the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the light conduit such that an outer boundary of the light conduit is provided by air, and wherein the mounting assembly is attached to the light conduit by an adhesive having a refractive index that matches the refractive index of air, wherein the mounting assembly comprises: a support structure extending forwardly from the light source and the second light source; a light conduit mount carrying the light conduit, the light conduit mount being removably attached to the support structure; a second light conduit mount carrying the second light conduit, the second light conduit mount being removably attached to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the light conduit such that the light incident surface of the light conduit is spaced apart from the light source, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the second light conduit such that the light incident surface of the second light conduit is spaced apart from the second light source, wherein the light energy exciter comprises a lens that focuses an object plane defined by a light exit surface of the light conduit onto an image plane defined by the detector surface. Q1. A light energy exciter, comprising: a light source group, the light source group is used to emit excitation light; and a light guide tube, the light guide tube homogenizes the excitation light and guides the excitation light toward the distal end of the light energy exciter, the light guide tube comprises a light incident surface and a light exit surface, the light guide tube receives the excitation light from the light source group. Q2. The light energy exciter according to Q1, wherein the light source group comprises parallel connected light sources.Q3. A light energy stimulator according to Q1, wherein the light source group includes light sources connected in series. Q4. A light energy stimulator according to Q1, wherein the light source group includes light sources connected in parallel provided by vertical LEDs. Q5. A light energy stimulator according to Q1, wherein the light source group includes light sources connected in series provided by flip-chip LEDs. Q6. A light energy stimulator according to Q1, wherein the light source group includes light sources connected in parallel, wherein the anodes of the light sources defining the light source group are commonly connected to the metal core layer of a printed circuit board. Q7. A light energy stimulator according to Q1, wherein the light source group includes vertical LEDs connected in parallel, wherein the anodes of the vertical LEDs defining the light source group are commonly connected to the metal core layer of a printed circuit board. Q8. A light energy stimulator according to any one of Q1 to Q2, wherein the light sources defining the light source group are commonly connected to the metal core layer of a printed circuit board. Q9. A light energy stimulator according to Q1, wherein the light source group includes light sources connected in parallel, wherein the parallel connected light sources are provided by flip-chip LEDs. Q10. A light energy stimulator according to Q1, wherein the light source group includes serially connected light sources, wherein the serially connected light sources are provided by vertical LEDs. Q11. A light energy stimulator according to any one of Q1 to Q3, wherein the light source group includes vertical LEDs. Q12. A light energy stimulator according to any one of Q1 to Q3, wherein the light source group includes flip-chip LEDs. Q13. A light energy stimulator according to any one of Q1 to Q3, wherein the light source group includes flip-chip LEDs arranged in an array of rows and columns of evenly spaced flip-chip LEDs. Q14. A light energy stimulator according to Q1, wherein the light source group includes serially connected LEDs, wherein the serially connected LEDs are mounted to a printed circuit board having a ceramic insulator. Q15. A light energy stimulator according to Q1, wherein the light source group includes serially connected LEDs, wherein the serially connected LEDs are mounted to a printed circuit board having a ceramic insulator provided by the LEDs. Q16. A light energy stimulator according to any one of Q1 to Q15, wherein the light energy stimulator includes a lens, and when the distal end of the light energy stimulator is coupled to a detector assembly, the lens images the object plane defined by the light exit surface onto an image plane defined by the detector surface of the detector.R1. A system, comprising: a light energy exciter, the light energy exciter comprising: a plurality of light sources; a light pipe, the light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the light source, the light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the light source; a second light pipe, the second light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a second light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the second light source, the second light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the second light source; a third light pipe, the third light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a third light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the second light source, the third light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from The excitation light from the third light source; a fourth light guide, the fourth light guide being used to homogenize the excitation light from the fourth light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the fourth light source, the fourth light guide comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the fourth light source; a lens, the lens receiving the excitation light from the light guide and the second light guide, and imaging the light exit surfaces of the light guide and the second light guide onto the detector surface of the detector and the second detector surface of the second detector, respectively; and a lens, the lens receiving the excitation light from the third light guide and the fourth light guide, and imaging the light exit surfaces of the light guide and the fourth light guide onto the third detector surface of the third detector and the fourth detector surface of the fourth detector, respectively. R2. A system according to R1, wherein the light source is arranged in a light source group, the second light source is arranged in the second light source group, the third light source is arranged in the third light source group, and wherein the fourth light source is arranged in the fourth light source group. S1. A method, comprising: emitting excitation light through a light energy exciter, wherein the light energy exciter comprises a group of light sources and a second group of light sources, wherein the group of light sources is used to emit excitation light in a first wavelength emission band, and the second group of light sources is used to emit excitation light in a second wavelength emission band; receiving the excitation light and emission signal light generated by the excitation of the excitation light through a detector, wherein the detector comprises a detector surface for supporting a biological or chemical sample and a sensor array spaced apart from the detector surface, wherein the detector blocks the excitation light and allows the emission signal light to propagate toward a light sensor of the sensor array; and transmitting a data signal through a circuit of the detector depending on photons sensed by the light sensors of the sensor array. S2. A method according to S1, wherein the method comprises determining which of the group of light sources or the second group of light sources generates less total heat when excited, and selecting an excitation sequence of the group of light sources and the second group of light sources depending on the determination.S3. A method according to any one of S1 to S2, wherein the group of light sources and the second group of light sources are carried by a printed circuit board, wherein the method includes checking thermal data of the printed circuit board, and selecting an activation sequence of the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources based on the checking. S4. A method according to any one of S1 to S3, wherein the method includes activating the group of light sources and the second group of light sources according to a sequence such that the group of light sources that generates the lesser amount of total heat when activated is activated first in the sequence. T1. A system comprising: a light energy exciter, the light energy exciter comprising: a light pipe for homogenizing excitation light from a light source group and guiding the excitation light from the light source group, the light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the light source group; a second light pipe for homogenizing excitation light from a second light source group and guiding the excitation light from the second light source group, the second light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the second light source group; and a detector comprising: a detector surface for supporting a biological or chemical sample; and a sensor array comprising light sensors spaced apart from the detector surface, wherein the detector receives the excitation light from the light energy exciter and emits signal light. T2. A system according to T1, wherein the light source group is mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source group is mounted on a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area. T3. A system according to T1, wherein the light source group is mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source group is mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the thermal resistance between the corresponding light source group of the light source group and the second light source group and the heat sink is less than the thermal resistance between the light source group and the second light source group. T4. A system according to T1, wherein the light source group is mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source group is mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the second area and the area are surface modified areas of the printed circuit board having a surface modification, characterized in that an insulating layer and a metal wiring layer are removed. T5. A system according to any one of T1 to T4, wherein the exiting light of the light pipe and the second light pipe is generally received by a lens, the lens shaping the exiting light to project a light pattern and a second light pattern onto a camera integrated circuit having a detector and a second detector, wherein the light pattern is projected by the lens onto a detector surface of the detector, and wherein the second light pattern is projected by the lens onto a second detector surface of the second detector.U1. A system, comprising: a light energy exciter, the light energy exciter comprising: a light pipe, the light pipe is used to homogenize the excitation light from the light source group and guide the excitation light from the light source group, the light pipe comprises a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the light source group; a second light pipe, the second light pipe is used to homogenize the excitation light from the second light source group and guide the excitation light from the second light source group, the second light pipe comprises a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the second light source group, wherein the light source group is mounted on an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source group is mounted on a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area is spaced apart from the area, wherein the second area and the area are the printed circuit board having a surface modification A surface modified area of ​​a printed circuit board, characterized in that one or more layers of the printed circuit board are removed; and a detector, the detector comprising: a detector surface, the detector surface being used to support a biological or chemical sample; and a sensor array, the sensor array comprising light sensors spaced apart from the detector surface, wherein the detector receives excitation light and emission signal light from the light energy exciter, wherein the outgoing light of the light guide and the second light guide is generally received by a lens, the lens shapes the outgoing light to project a light pattern and a second light pattern onto a camera integrated circuit having a detector and a second detector, wherein the light pattern is projected by the lens onto the detector surface of the detector, and wherein the second light pattern is projected by the lens onto the second detector surface of the second detector.

[0250] It should be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in more detail below (assuming such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed herein. Specifically, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be understood that terminology expressly employed herein that may also appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference should be given the meaning most consistent with the specific concepts disclosed herein.

[0251] This written description uses examples to disclose the subject matter and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the subject matter, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0252] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above examples (and / or their various aspects) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, without departing from the scope of various examples, many modifications can be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of various examples. Although the size and type of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of various examples, they are by no means restrictive and are only exemplary. When viewing the above description, many other examples will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of various examples should be determined with reference to the full scope of the appended claims and the equivalents granted by these claims. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "wherein" are used as the plain English equivalents of the corresponding terms "including" and "wherein". In addition, in the following claims, the terms "first", "second" and "third" etc. are used only as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. The form of the term "based on" herein covers the relationship in which the element is partially based on and the relationship in which the element is completely based on. The form of the term "defined" covers the relationship in which the element is partially defined and the relationship in which the element is completely defined. In addition, the following claim limitations are not written in a means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112(f) unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for..." followed by a functional recitation without additional structure. It should be understood that not all such objects or advantages described above may be achieved according to any particular example. Thus, for example, one skilled in the art will recognize that the systems and techniques described herein may be implemented or performed in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages that may be taught or suggested herein.

[0253] The terms "substantially", "approximately", "about", "relatively" or other such similar terms that may be used throughout this disclosure (including claims) are used to describe and illustrate small fluctuations from a reference or parameter, for example, due to changes in processing. Such small fluctuations also include zero fluctuations from a reference or parameter. For example, they may refer to less than or equal to ±10%, such as less than or equal to ±5%, such as less than or equal to ±2%, such as less than or equal to ±1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.5%, such as less than or equal to ±0.2%, such as less than or equal to ±0.1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.05%. If used herein, the terms "substantially", "approximately", "about", "relatively" or other such similar terms may also refer to no fluctuations, i.e., ±0%. It is contemplated that the numerical values ​​described herein and other values ​​may be modified by the term "about", whether explicitly stated or intrinsically derived by discussion of the present disclosure. In addition, any description of a range herein may encompass all sub-ranges.

[0254] The terms "connected," "connected," "contacted," "coupled," and the like are broadly defined herein to encompass a variety of discrete arrangements and assembly techniques. These arrangements and techniques include, but are not limited to: (1) the direct engagement of one component with another component without intervening components (i.e., the components are in direct physical contact); and (2) the engagement of one component with another component with one or more components in between, provided that the one component is "connected to" or "contacted with" or "coupled to" the other component to some extent in operational communication (e.g., electrical, fluidic, physical, optical communication, etc.) with the other component (although there are one or more additional components in between). It should be understood that some components that are in direct physical contact with each other may or may not be in electrical and / or fluidic contact with each other. In addition, two components that are electrically connected, electrically coupled, optically connected, optically coupled, fluidically connected, or fluidically coupled may or may not be in direct physical contact, and one or more other components may be disposed between the two components.

[0255] Although only a limited number of examples are described in detail, it should be readily understood that the subject matter is not limited to such disclosed examples. On the contrary, the subject matter may be modified to combine any number of variations, changes, substitutions or equivalent arrangements that have not been described before but are comparable to the essence and scope of the subject matter. In addition, although various examples of the subject matter have been described, it should be understood that the various aspects of the present disclosure may include only some of the examples. In addition, although some examples are described as having a certain number of elements, it should be understood that the subject matter can be practiced with less than or greater than a certain number of elements. Therefore, the subject matter should not be considered to be limited by the foregoing description, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mounting assembly, comprising: a light guide mount for mounting the light guide relative to the light source; and A second light guide mount is provided for mounting a second light guide relative to a second light source. 2 . The mounting assembly of claim 1 , wherein the mounting assembly is configured to facilitate installation of the second light guide independent of installation of the light guide.

3. The mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light guide on a single side of the light guide.

4. The mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe.

5. The mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure.

6. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure.

7. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mounting member is mounted to the support structure below a horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe, and wherein the second light pipe mounting member is mounted to the support structure above the horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe.

8. A mounting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mounting assembly is configured to facilitate installation of the second light pipe independently of the installation of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure below a horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure above the horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe.

9. The mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the light pipe mount contacts the light pipe on a first side of the light pipe, and wherein the second light pipe mount contacts the second light pipe on a second side of the second light pipe opposite the first side thereof.

10. The mounting assembly of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the light pipe mount is removably mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is removably mounted to the support structure.

11. The mounting assembly of claim 10, wherein the light pipe mount is removably screw mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is removably screw mounted to the support structure.

12. The mounting assembly of claim 11, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is removably screw mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is removably screw mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is removably screw mounted to the support structure below a horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe, and wherein the second light pipe mount is removably screw mounted to the support structure above the horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe.

13. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure having a cavity, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure having the cavity, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, the light pipe extends through the cavity.

14. The mounting assembly of claim 13, wherein the diameter of the cavity is greater than the diameter of the light pipe such that when the light pipe extends through the cavity, the light pipe does not contact side walls defining the cavity.

15. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a support structure having a cavity, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure having the cavity, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, the light pipe extends through the cavity, the cavity having a diameter greater than a diameter of the light pipe, such that when the light pipe extends through the cavity, the light pipe does not contact a side wall defining the cavity.

16. The mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the light sources are arranged in a light source group, and wherein the second light sources are arranged in a second light source group spaced apart from the light source group.

17. A mounting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the light source is arranged in a light source group, and wherein the second light source is arranged in a second light source group spaced apart from the light source group, wherein the light source group is characterized by one or more of the following selected from the group consisting of: the light source group includes parallel-connected light sources, the light source group includes series-connected light sources, the light sources defining the light source group are commonly connected to a metal core layer of a printed circuit board, the light source group includes vertical LEDs, and the light source group includes flip-chip LEDs.

18. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted relative to the light source, there is a separation distance between the light pipe and the light source, and further such that when the second light pipe mount is mounted relative to the second light source, there is a defined separation distance between the second light pipe and the second light source.

19. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting assembly is configured to facilitate installation of the second light pipe independent of installation of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure below a horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure above the horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is removably screwed to the support structure, and wherein A second light pipe mount is removably screw mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure having a cavity, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure having the cavity, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, the light pipe extends through the cavity, the diameter of the cavity is greater than the diameter of the light pipe, so that when the light pipe extends through the cavity, the light pipe does not contact a side wall defining the cavity, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted relative to the light source, a separation distance exists between the light pipe and the light source, and further such that when the second light pipe mount is mounted relative to the second light source, a defined separation distance exists between the second light pipe and the second light source.

20. The mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the light source is mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source is mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area.

21. The mounting assembly of claim 20, wherein the second region and the region are surface modified regions of a printed circuit board having a surface modification, characterized in that One or more layers of the printed circuit board are removed.

22. The mounting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the light source is included in a light source group mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source is included in a second light source group mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the second area and the area are surface modified areas of the printed circuit board having a surface modification, characterized in that The insulating layer and the conductive metal wiring layer are removed.

23. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure below a horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure above the horizontal axis extending through the light pipe and the second light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light pipe mount is removably screw-mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light pipe mount is removably screw-mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure having a cavity, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure having the cavity, and wherein the second light pipe mount is a tube mount mounted to a support structure, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, the light pipe extends through the cavity, the diameter of the cavity being greater than the diameter of the light pipe, such that when the light pipe extends through the cavity, the light pipe does not contact a side wall defining the cavity, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted relative to the light source, a standoff distance exists between the light pipe and the light source, and further such that when the second light pipe mount is mounted relative to the second light source, a defined standoff distance exists between the second light pipe and the second light source, wherein the light source is included in a group of light sources mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source is included in a second group of light sources mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the second area and the area are surface modified areas of the printed circuit board having a surface modification, characterized in that The insulating layer and the conductive metal wiring layer are removed, wherein the light source group is characterized by one or more of the following selected from the group consisting of: the light source group includes parallel-connected light sources, the light source group includes series-connected light sources, the light sources of the light source group are defined to be commonly connected to a metal core layer of a printed circuit board, the light source group includes vertical LEDs, and the light source group includes flip-chip LEDs.

24. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact location of the light pipe, wherein the single contact location comprises an adhesive that matches the refractive index of air.

25. A mounting assembly comprising: a light guide mount for mounting the light guide relative to the light source; and a second light pipe mount for mounting a second light pipe relative to a second light source, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a support structure having a cavity, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure having the cavity, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, the light pipe extends through the cavity, the diameter of the cavity being greater than the diameter of the light pipe, such that when the light pipe extends through the cavity, the light pipe does not contact a side wall defining the cavity.

26. A mounting assembly comprising: a light guide mount for mounting the light guide relative to the light source; and a second light guide mount for mounting a second light guide relative to a second light source, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light guide at a single contact point of the light guide, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light guide mount is mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light guide mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly includes the support structure, wherein the light guide mount is mounted to the support structure below a horizontal axis extending through the light guide and the second light guide, and wherein the second light guide mount is mounted to the support structure above the horizontal axis extending through the light guide and the second light guide, wherein the mounting assembly includes the support structure, wherein the light guide mount is removably screwed to the support structure, and wherein the second light guide mount is removably screwed to the support structure a ground screw mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure having a cavity, wherein the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure having the cavity, and wherein the second light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, the light pipe extends through the cavity, the diameter of the cavity being greater than the diameter of the light pipe, such that when the light pipe extends through the cavity, the light pipe does not contact a side wall defining the cavity, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted relative to the light source, a standoff distance exists between the light pipe and the light source, and further such that when the second light pipe mount is mounted relative to the second light source, a defined standoff distance exists between the second light pipe and the second light source.

27. A system comprising: A light energy exciter, the light energy exciter comprising: a plurality of light sources; a light pipe, the light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the light source, the light pipe comprising a light incident surface for receiving the excitation light from the light source; a second light pipe, the second light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a second light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the second light source, the second light pipe comprising a light incident surface for receiving the excitation light from the second light source; a detector comprising: a detector surface for supporting a biological or chemical sample; and a sensor array comprising light sensors spaced apart from the detector surface, wherein the detector receives excitation light and emission signal light from the light energy exciter; 28. The mounting assembly for mounting the light guide and the second light guide of claim 26, wherein the mounting assembly aligns the light guide with the light source and aligns the second light guide with the second light source.

28. A mounting assembly comprising: a light guide mount for mounting the light guide relative to the light source; and a second light guide mount for mounting a second light guide relative to a second light source, wherein the mounting assembly is configured to facilitate mounting of the second light guide independent of mounting of the light guide, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light guide at a single contact point of the light guide, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure, wherein the light guide mount is mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light guide mount is mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly includes the support structure, wherein the light guide mount is mounted to the support structure below a horizontal axis extending through the light guide and the second light guide, and wherein the second light guide mount is mounted to the support structure above the horizontal axis extending through the light guide and the second light guide, wherein the mounting assembly includes the support structure, wherein the light guide mount is removably screw mounted to the support structure, and wherein the second light guide mount is removably screw mounted to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure having a cavity, wherein the light guide mount is mounted to the support structure having the cavity, and wherein the second light guide mount is mounted to a support structure, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted to the support structure, the light pipe extends through the cavity, the diameter of the cavity being greater than the diameter of the light pipe, such that when the light pipe extends through the cavity, the light pipe does not contact a side wall defining the cavity, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted relative to the light source, a standoff distance exists between the light pipe and the light source, and further such that when the second light pipe mount is mounted relative to the second light source, a defined standoff distance exists between the second light pipe and the second light source, wherein the light source is included in a group of light sources mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source is included in a second group of light sources mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the second area and the area are surface modified areas of the printed circuit board having a surface modification, characterized in that an insulating layer and a conductive metal wiring layer are removed, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact location of the light pipe, wherein the single contact location includes an adhesive that matches the refractive index of air.

29. A mounting assembly comprising: a structural member carrying the light guide; and A second structural member carries a second light guide.

30. The mounting assembly of claim 29, wherein the structural member and the second structural member are separate non-continuous pieces of material.

31. The mounting assembly of any one of claims 29 to 30, wherein the mounting assembly is configured to facilitate installation of the second light guide independent of installation of the light guide.

32. A mounting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe on a single side of the light pipe.

33. A mounting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe.

34. The mounting assembly of claim 29, wherein the structural member and the second structural member are separate non-continuous pieces of material, wherein the mounting assembly is configured to facilitate installation of the second light pipe independent of installation of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point of the light pipe.

35. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims 29 to 34, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mounting member is mounted relative to a light source, there is a separation distance between the light pipe and the light source, and further such that when the second light pipe mounting member is mounted relative to a second light source, there is a defined separation distance between the second light pipe and the second light source.

36. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein the light guide is aligned with a light source, and wherein the second light guide is aligned with a second light source.

37. The mounting assembly of any one of claims 29 to 36, wherein the light pipe is aligned with a light source of a light source group, and wherein the second light pipe is aligned with a second light source of a second light source group.

38. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims 29 to 37, wherein the light pipe is aligned with a light source mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light pipe is aligned with a second light source mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the second area and the area are surface modified areas of the printed circuit board having a surface modification, characterized in that One or more layers of the printed circuit board are removed.

39. The mounting assembly of claim 29, wherein the structural member and the second structural member are separate non-continuous pieces of material, wherein the mounting assembly is configured to facilitate installation of the second light pipe independent of installation of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point for the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted relative to a light source, a standoff distance exists between the light pipe and the light source, and further such that when the second light pipe mount is mounted relative to a second light source, a defined standoff distance exists between the second light pipe and the second light source, wherein the light pipe is aligned with the light source mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light pipe is aligned with the second light source mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the second area and the area are surface modified areas of the printed circuit board having a surface modification, characterized in that One or more layers of the printed circuit board are removed.

40. The mounting assembly of claim 29, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact location of the light pipe, wherein the single contact location comprises an adhesive that matches the refractive index of air.

41. A mounting assembly comprising: a structural member carrying the light guide; and a second structural member carrying a second light pipe, wherein the structural member and the second structural member are separate non-continuous pieces of material, wherein the mounting assembly is configured to facilitate mounting of the second light pipe independent of mounting of the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact point for the light pipe, wherein the mounting assembly is configured such that when the light pipe mount is mounted relative to a light source, a standoff distance exists between the light pipe and the light source, and further such that when the second light pipe mount is mounted relative to a second light source, a defined standoff distance exists between the second light pipe and the second light source, wherein the light pipe is aligned with the light source mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light pipe is aligned with the second light source mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the second area and the area are surface modified areas of the printed circuit board having a surface modification, characterized in that one or more layers of the printed circuit board are removed.

42. A system comprising: A light energy exciter, the light energy exciter comprising: a plurality of light sources; a light pipe, the light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the light source, the light pipe comprising a light incident surface for receiving the excitation light from the light source; a second light pipe, the second light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a second light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the second light source, the second light pipe comprising a light incident surface for receiving the excitation light from the second light source; a detector comprising: a detector surface for supporting a biological or chemical sample; and a sensor array comprising light sensors spaced apart from the detector surface, wherein the detector receives excitation light and emission signal light from the light energy exciter; A mounting assembly is provided for mounting the light guide and the second light guide, wherein the mounting assembly aligns the light guide with the light source and aligns the second light guide with the second light source.

43. A system according to claim 42, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure and a light pipe mount, the support structure having a member defining a cavity, the light pipe mount having the light pipe attached thereto, and the light pipe mount attached to the support structure so that the light pipe extends through the cavity.

44. A system according to claim 42, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure and a light pipe mount, the support structure having a member defining a cavity, the light pipe mount having the light pipe attached thereto, the light pipe mount attached to the support structure so that the light pipe extends through the cavity without contacting the support structure.

45. The system of any one of claims 42 to 44, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the light pipe so that the light incident surface of the light pipe is spaced apart from the light source, and wherein the mounting assembly mounts the second light pipe so that the light incident surface of the second light pipe is spaced apart from the second light source.

46. ​​The system of any one of claims 42 to 45, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the light pipe such that an outer boundary of the light pipe is provided by air, and wherein the mounting assembly is attached to the light pipe by an adhesive having a refractive index that matches the refractive index of air.

47. The system of any one of claims 42, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the light pipe such that an outer boundary of the light pipe is provided by air, and wherein the mounting assembly is attached to the light pipe by an adhesive having a refractive index that matches the refractive index of air.

48. The system of any one of claims 42 to 47, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the light pipe such that an outer boundary of the light pipe is provided by air.

49. The system of any one of claims 42 to 48, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe on a single side of the light pipe.

50. The system of any one of claims 42 to 49, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact location of the light pipe.

51. The system of any one of claims 42 to 50, wherein the mounting assembly contacts the light pipe at a single contact location of the light pipe, wherein the single contact location comprises an adhesive that matches the refractive index of air.

52. The system of any one of claims 42 to 52, wherein the mounting assembly comprises: a support structure extending forwardly from the light source and the second light source; a light guide mount that carries the light guide, the light guide mount being removably attached to the support structure; and a second light guide mount that carries the light guide. A light pipe mount carries the second light pipe, the second light pipe mount being removably attached to the support structure.

53. The system of claim 42, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a support structure having a member defining a cavity, and a light pipe mount having the light pipe attached thereto, the light pipe mount being attached to the support structure such that the light pipe extends through the cavity without contacting the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the light pipe such that an outer boundary of the light pipe is provided by air, and wherein the mounting assembly is attached to the light pipe by an adhesive having an index of refraction that matches the index of refraction of air, wherein the mounting assembly comprises: a support structure extending forwardly from the light source and the second light source; a light pipe mount that carries the light pipe, the light pipe mount being removably attached to the support structure; a second light pipe mount that carries the second light pipe, the second light pipe mount being removably attached to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the light pipe so that the light incident surface of the light pipe is spaced apart from the light source, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the second light pipe so that the light incident surface of the second light pipe is spaced apart from the second light source, wherein the system operates to determine which of a group of light sources or a second group of light sources generates less total heat when energized, and selects an energization order for the group of light sources and the second group of light sources based on the determination.

54. A system according to any one of claims 42 to 53, wherein the detector includes a circuit for transmitting a data signal depending on photons detected by a photosensor of the sensor array, wherein the detector blocks the excitation light and allows the emission signal light to propagate toward the photosensor.

55. The system of any one of claims 42 to 54, wherein the light energy exciter comprises a lens that focuses an object plane defined by a light exit surface of the light pipe onto an image plane defined by the detector surface.

56. A system according to any one of claims 42 to 55, wherein the plurality of light sources include light emitting diodes surface-coupled to the light incident surface of the light pipe, wherein the light pipe includes glass, wherein the light pipe has a conical configuration and includes an increasing diameter throughout the length of the light pipe in a direction from the light incident surface of the light pipe to a light exit surface of the light pipe, the light pipe reflects excitation light so that light pipe exit rays leaving the light exit surface of the light pipe define a divergent light cone that diverges relative to an optical axis of the light energy exciter, wherein the light energy exciter includes a lens that receives the excitation light from the light pipe and shapes the light of the excitation light so that the light exit rays leaving the lens define a converging light cone that converges relative to the optical axis of the light energy exciter, wherein the light energy exciter includes one or more filters to filter light having a wavelength longer than a cumulative emission band of wavelengths of the plurality of light sources.

57. The system of claim 42, wherein the system operates to determine which of a group of light sources or a second group of light sources generates less total heat when energized, and to select an energization order for the group of light sources and the second group of light sources based on the determination.

58. A system comprising: A light energy exciter, the light energy exciter comprising: a plurality of light sources; a light pipe, the light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the light source, the light pipe comprising a light incident surface for receiving the excitation light from the light source; a second light pipe, the second light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a second light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the second light source, the second light pipe comprising a light incident surface for receiving the excitation light from the second light source; a detector comprising: a detector surface for supporting a biological or chemical sample; and a sensor array comprising light sensors spaced apart from the detector surface, wherein the detector receives excitation light and emission signal light from the light energy exciter; a mounting assembly for mounting the light guide and the second light guide, wherein the mounting assembly aligns the light guide with the light source and aligns the second light guide with the second light source, wherein the mounting assembly includes a support structure and a light guide mount, the support structure having a member defining a cavity, the light guide mount having the light guide attached thereto, the light guide mount attached to the support structure such that the light guide extends through the cavity without contacting the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the light guide such that an outer boundary of the light guide is provided by air, and wherein the mounting assembly is attached to the light guide by an adhesive having a refractive index that matches the refractive index of air, wherein the mounting assembly includes: a support structure, the a support structure extending forward from the light source and the second light source; a light pipe mount, the light pipe mount carrying the light pipe, the light pipe mount being removably attached to the support structure; a second light pipe mount, the second light pipe mount carrying the second light pipe, the second light pipe mount being removably attached to the support structure, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the light pipe so that the light incident surface of the light pipe is spaced apart from the light source, wherein the mounting assembly mounts the second light pipe so that the light incident surface of the second light pipe is spaced apart from the second light source, wherein the light energy exciter includes a lens that focuses an object plane defined by a light exit surface of the light pipe onto an image plane defined by a detector surface.

59. A light energy exciter, comprising: A light source group, the light source group is used to emit excitation light; and A light pipe is provided, wherein the light pipe homogenizes the excitation light and guides the excitation light toward a distal end of the light energy stimulator, wherein the light pipe comprises a light incident surface and a light exit surface, and the light pipe receives the excitation light from the light source group.

60. The light energy stimulator of claim 59, wherein the light source group comprises light sources connected in parallel.

61. The light energy stimulator of claim 59, wherein the light source group comprises light sources connected in series.

62. The light energy stimulator of claim 59, wherein the light source group comprises parallel connected light sources provided by vertical LEDs.

63. The light energy stimulator of claim 59, wherein the light source group comprises series-connected light sources provided by flip-chip LEDs.

64. The light energy stimulator of claim 59, wherein the light source group comprises light sources connected in parallel, wherein anodes of the light sources defining the light source group are commonly connected to a metal core layer of a printed circuit board.

65. The light energy stimulator of claim 59, wherein the light source group comprises vertical LEDs connected in parallel, wherein anodes of the vertical LEDs defining the light source group are commonly connected to a metal core layer of a printed circuit board.

66. A light energy activator according to any one of claims 59 to 60, wherein the light sources defining the light source group are commonly connected to a metal core layer of a printed circuit board.

67. The light energy stimulator of claim 59, wherein the light source group comprises parallel-connected light sources, wherein the parallel-connected light sources are provided by flip-chip LEDs.

68. The light energy stimulator of claim 59, wherein the light source group comprises serially connected light sources, wherein the serially connected light sources are provided by vertical LEDs.

69. A light energy stimulator according to any one of claims 59 to 61, wherein the light source group includes vertical LEDs.

70. A light energy stimulator according to any one of claims 59 to 61, wherein the light source group comprises flip chip LEDs.

71. A light energy stimulator according to any one of claims 59 to 61, wherein the light source group includes flip chip LEDs arranged in an array with rows and columns of evenly spaced flip chip LEDs.

72. The light energy stimulator of claim 59, wherein the light source group comprises serially connected LEDs, wherein the serially connected LEDs are mounted to a printed circuit board, the printed circuit board having a ceramic insulator.

73. A light energy stimulator according to claim 59, wherein the light source group includes serially connected LEDs, wherein the serially connected LEDs are mounted to a printed circuit board, the printed circuit board having a ceramic insulator provided by the LEDs.

74. A light energy stimulator according to any one of claims 59 to 73, wherein the light energy stimulator includes a lens, and when the distal end of the light energy stimulator is coupled to a detector assembly, the lens images the object plane defined by the light exit surface onto an image plane defined by a detector surface of the detector.

75. A system comprising: A light energy exciter, the light energy exciter comprising: a plurality of light sources; a light pipe, the light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from the light sources among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the light sources, the light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the light sources; a second light pipe, the second light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from the second light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the second light source, the second light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the second light source; a third light pipe, the third light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from the third light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the second light source, the third light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the third light source; a fourth light pipe, the fourth light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from the fourth light source among the plurality of light sources and guide the excitation light from the fourth light source, the fourth light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the fourth light source; a lens that receives excitation light from the light guide and the second light guide and images the light exit surfaces of the light guide and the second light guide onto a detector surface of a detector and a second detector surface of a second detector, respectively; and A lens receives the excitation light from the third light pipe and the fourth light pipe and images the light exit surfaces of the light pipe and the fourth light pipe onto a third detector surface of the third detector and a fourth detector surface of the fourth detector, respectively.

76. The system of claim 75, wherein the light sources are disposed in a light source group, the second light sources are disposed in the second light source group, the third light sources are disposed in the third light source group, and wherein the fourth light sources are disposed in a fourth light source group.

77. A method comprising: emitting excitation light by a light energy exciter, wherein the light energy exciter comprises a group of light sources and a second group of light sources, the group of light sources being used to emit excitation light in a first wavelength emission band, and the second group of light sources being used to emit excitation light in a second wavelength emission band; receiving the excitation light and emission signal light generated by excitation of the excitation light by a detector, the detector comprising a detector surface for supporting a biological or chemical sample and a sensor array spaced apart from the detector surface, the detector blocking the excitation light and allowing the emission signal light to propagate toward light sensors of the sensor array; as well as Depending on the photons sensed by the light sensors of the sensor array, data signals are transmitted through the circuitry of the detector.

78. The method of claim 77, wherein the method comprises determining which of the group of light sources or the second group of light sources generates less total heat when energized, and selecting an energization order for the group of light sources and the second group of light sources based on the determination.

79. A method according to any one of claims 77 to 78, wherein the one group of light sources and the second group of light sources are carried by a printed circuit board, wherein the method includes checking thermal data of the printed circuit board and selecting an excitation sequence of the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources depending on the checking.

80. A method according to any one of claims 77 to 79, wherein the method includes energizing the group of light sources and the second group of light sources according to a sequence, so that the group of light sources that generates the smaller amount of total heat when energized is energized first in the sequence.

81. A system comprising: A light energy exciter, the light energy exciter comprising: a light pipe, the light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from the light source group and guide the excitation light from the light source group, the light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the light source group; a second light pipe, the second light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from the second light source group and guide the excitation light from the second light source group, the second light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the second light source group; and A detector comprising: a detector surface for supporting a biological or chemical sample; and a sensor array comprising light sensors spaced apart from the detector surface, wherein the detector receives excitation light from the light energy exciter and emits signal light.

82. The system of claim 81, wherein the group of light sources is mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second group of light sources is mounted on a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area.

83. A system according to claim 81, wherein the light source group is mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source group is mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the thermal resistance between the corresponding light source groups in the light source group and the second light source group and the heat sink is less than the thermal resistance between the light source group and the second light source group.

84. The system of claim 81, wherein the light source group is mounted at an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source group is mounted at a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the second area and the area are surface modified areas of the printed circuit board having a surface modification, characterized in that The insulating layer and the metal wiring layer are removed.

85. A system according to any one of claims 81 to 84, wherein the outgoing light rays of the optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide are generally received by a lens, which shapes the outgoing light rays to project a light pattern and a second light pattern onto a camera integrated circuit having a detector and a second detector, wherein the light pattern is projected by the lens onto a detector surface of the detector, and wherein the second light pattern is projected by the lens onto a second detector surface of the second detector.

86. A system comprising: A light energy exciter, the light energy exciter comprising: a light pipe, the light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a light source group and guide the excitation light from the light source group, the light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the light source group; a second light pipe, the second light pipe being used to homogenize the excitation light from a second light source group and guide the excitation light from the second light source group, the second light pipe comprising a light incident surface to receive the excitation light from the second light source group, wherein the light source group is mounted on an area of ​​a printed circuit board, and wherein the second light source group is mounted on a second area of ​​the printed circuit board, the second area being spaced apart from the area, wherein the second area and the area are surface modified areas of the printed circuit board having surface modification, characterized in that one or more layers of the printed circuit board are removed; and A detector, the detector comprising: a detector surface, the detector surface is used to support a biological or chemical sample; and a sensor array, the sensor array comprising a light sensor spaced apart from the detector surface, wherein the detector receives excitation light and emission signal light from the light energy exciter, wherein the outgoing light of the light guide and the second light guide is generally received by a lens, the lens shapes the outgoing light to project a light pattern and a second light pattern onto a camera integrated circuit having a detector and a second detector, wherein the light pattern is projected by the lens onto the detector surface of the detector, and wherein the second light pattern is projected by the lens onto the second detector surface of the second detector.

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