Device for irradiating a sample with electromagnetic radiation and use thereof for irradiating a sample

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for irradiating a sample with electromagnetic radiation, in particular with optical radiation, the device (1) comprising a sample container receptacle (2) for a sample container, wherein at least one irradiation region (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) of the device (1) is assigned or can be assigned to the sample container in the state positioned on the device (1), wherein the at least one irradiation region (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) has a reflection portion (9) for homogenising electromagnetic radiation which extends at least in portions between an irradiation unit (10) and an outlet region (11), and wherein the reflection portion (9) has a reflection surface (12) which reflects the electromagnetic radiation substantially diffusely.

Description

[0001] PC 26 0060 G 4 February 2026

[0002] Device for irradiating a sample with electromagnetic radiation and its use for irradiating a sample

[0003] The invention relates to a device for irradiating a sample with electromagnetic radiation, in particular with optical radiation, the device comprising a sample container holder for a sample container, wherein at least one irradiation area of ​​the device is assigned or assignable to the sample container in the state positioned on the device.

[0004] Devices of the type mentioned above are already known and are used to treat samples, especially biological and / or chemical samples, with electromagnetic radiation of a specific spectral range. In the life sciences, various methods and techniques exist for using light-sensitive molecules to induce targeted changes or effects in a sample (e.g., biophotonics, especially optogenetics, photopharmacology).

[0005] To deliver a radiation dose, preferably an optical radiation dose (also referred to as light dose), in controlled quantities, specialized devices such as the apparatus mentioned above are required. In chemical and / or biological experiments, such as working with cell cultures, microtiter plates are often used as sample containers, in particular so-called 24- and 96-well plates, in which a sample (such as molecules, cells, hydrogels, organoids, fruit flies, Xenopus larvae, mouse embryos) is held.

[0006] Several solutions currently exist for irradiating the samples, making it possible to individually address each of the wells or the sample contained therein and with PC 26 0060 G 2 / 24 4. February 2026

[0007] to irradiate at least one wavelength. Samples can be in solution or suspension. However, samples such as adherently growing cells are also illuminated. Furthermore, three-dimensional objects such as organoids, spheroids, plants, zebrafish, and / or similar can be suitable as samples.

[0008] Since samples are treated with a precisely defined radiation dose, particularly a light dose, differences in irradiation, especially illumination, within an irradiation area lead to varying effects, such as excitation and / or stimulation of the samples held in a sample container. This generally results in a distortion and / or limited validity of the experimental results. Overexposure, for example, can lead to saturation or even phototoxic effects.

[0009] Furthermore, the samples treated with the device are often temperature-sensitive. Therefore, care must be taken to ensure that the samples do not heat up beyond certain limits during irradiation with electromagnetic radiation, as this could otherwise lead to damage or unwanted changes in the samples. However, existing devices often require relatively powerful irradiation units that produce excessive waste heat, which can easily result in overheating of the treated samples.

[0010] The task, therefore, is to improve the performance characteristics of devices of the type mentioned above.

[0011] This problem is solved according to the invention by the device with the features of claim 1. PC 26 0060 G 3 / 24 4 . February 2026

[0012] In particular, according to the invention, a device of the type mentioned at the outset is proposed to solve the problem, characterized in that the at least one irradiation area has a reflection section for homogenizing electromagnetic radiation, which extends at least sectionally between an irradiation unit and an outlet area, wherein the reflection section has a reflection surface that reflects the electromagnetic radiation in a substantially diffuse manner.Essentially diffusely reflecting can mean that the reflection section has a reflective surface that reflects electromagnetic radiation predominantly diffusely and, in particular, does not exhibit a pronounced specular reflection component, and / or that the reflection section has a reflective surface whose reflection characteristics are predominantly diffuse and reflect electromagnetic radiation with an almost direction-independent radiance, and / or reflect electromagnetic radiation distributed over a large solid angle, and / or reflect electromagnetic radiation with an almost isotropic radiance (Lambertian). Thus, it is possible to achieve the highest possible irradiation, and in particular high luminous efficacy, with the lowest possible electrical power for irradiating the samples and therefore with minimal waste heat.The diffuse reflection surface makes it possible to homogenize the electromagnetic radiation generated by an irradiation unit, such as a light source, thus enabling uniform and diffuse illumination of a sample plane and / or sample space. The reflection section of the at least one irradiation area can be designed as a hollow body, such as a hollow cylinder and / or a truncated cone. The radiation generated by the at least one irradiation unit is then diffusely reflected along an inner wall of the reflection section. PC 26 0060 G 4 / 24 4 February 2026.

[0013] The radiation is reflected until it reaches the outlet area of ​​the reflection section, where it finally reaches the sample plane and / or the sample chamber and strikes the sample container positioned in the sample container holder or which can be positioned during use of the device. The invention thus makes it possible to efficiently mix emitted radiation from at least one irradiation unit (propagation direction and frequency spectrum) and thus generate an isotropic radiation distribution with which homogeneous illumination is achieved.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments of the solution according to the invention are described below. These can be combined with the features of claim 1 to further develop the invention.

[0015] According to an advantageous further development, a diffuser can be arranged at the outlet of the reflection section. By using a transmissive diffuser, the radiation incident on the diffuser can be further shaped.

[0016] For example, a specific beam angle of the radiation directed from the diffuser towards the sample container can be set. Preferably, a beam angle of 60° to 80° (corresponding to half the light cone) can be set. Furthermore, the diffuser can be designed to have a transmission of at least 85%, in particular at least 90%, preferably more than 90%, across the entire wavelength range of the irradiation unit. The radiation emitted from the diffuser can preferably be non-directional, i.e., without a preferred direction.

[0017] According to further training, a space formed by the reflection section can be filled with a fluid. This could, for example, be a PC 26 0060 G 5 / 24 4 . February 2026

[0018] The device operates in the ambient air. For example, if the device is used inside an incubator, the fluid may be a gas mixture generated by the incubator. The space can therefore be free of solids. The fluid-filled, transmissive space of the reflection section provides additional insulation between the irradiation unit and the outlet area, thus better preventing the sample from heating up.

[0019] According to further training, the reflective surface of the reflection section can be designed as a Lambertian reflector. This can mean that the reflector is made of materials that, in particular through their bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF), can achieve the strongest possible "Lambertian" (ideal diffuse) remission behavior (diffuse reflection > approx. 90% of the total reflection, preferably at least 95% of the total reflection). A lambertic reflector can be understood, for example, as a material whose BRDF (goniometrically determined, e.g. according to ASTM E2387) is close to the lambertic ideal, wherein the diffuse component D=pSE / pSI is at least 0.90, preferably more than 0.90, where pSE is determined excluding a cone of ±5° around the specular direction, and the normalized BRDF in the angular range 0r<70° deviates by no more than 15% from pSI / n.Alternatively or additionally, a lambertic reflector can be understood as a material whose bidirectional properties are

[0020] Reflectance distribution function (BRDF) closely approximates the Lambertian ideal, wherein the BRDF is preferably determined goniometrically, and wherein in particular the diffuse component of the total reflection is at least about 90%, preferably more than 90%, wherein the diffuse component is defined as the ratio of the specularly excluded to the specularly included hemispherical reflection, and the specular reflection is determined by excluding a cone of about ±5° umPC 26 0060 G 6 / 24 4 February 2026

[0021] the mirror direction is determined, and furthermore the normalized BRDF in the reflection angle range up to about 70° deviates from the ideal Lambertian value by at most about 15%.

[0022] According to further training, the reflection section can consist of at least two layers made of different materials. One of the two layers can cover an underlying layer.

[0023] For example, the reflection section may be provided with a boundary layer located below a diffuse reflection layer. The reflection layer may be at least slightly transmissive, whereas the surface of the boundary layer exhibits essentially no or almost no transmission and / or no or almost no absorption of light.

[0024] oncoming radiation. Incident rays are thus diffusely reflected with high efficiency and, through multiple reflections at an inner wall of the reflection section, in particular at an inner wall of the previously mentioned room, a statistically uniform (isotropic) radiation distribution, in particular light distribution, is generated in the reflection section.

[0025] According to further training, the reflection section can exhibit a diffuse reflection of at least 80%, in particular at least 90%, and / or a constant or nearly constant reflectance over a wavelength range of 300 nm to 1000 nm. This further ensures that a sample contained in a sample container is irradiated as homogeneously as possible, regardless of a set or adjustable wavelength. Since, depending on the experiment, a sample and / or different samples may be irradiated with different wavelengths, reliable experimentation requires that the treatment of the PC 26 0060 G 7 / 24 4 February 2026

[0026] The sample(s) must have a constant or nearly constant reflectance across the possible wavelength range of the irradiation unit. The same applies to the reflection behavior of the reflective surface, as diffuse or as diffuse a reflection as possible must be achieved across the possible wavelength range of the irradiation unit. The "possible wavelength range of the irradiation unit" can be understood as the range in which radiation can be emitted by the irradiation unit, particularly according to its specifications.

[0027] According to further training, the diffusely reflecting surface, in particular the diffuse reflective layer, can be formed by a film and / or a lacquer layer applied to a substrate, such as the previously mentioned interface layer. The film can, for example, be made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE - brand name: Spectralon). This can be sintered polytetrafluoroethylene powder. This has the advantage that a reflectance of up to over 99% in the 400-1500 nm range can be achieved. The lacquer layer can, for example, be made of barium sulfate lacquer (BaSO4 lacquer). This offers excellent opacity and whiteness as well as a reflectance of up to 98% in the wavelength range of 250 nm to 1100 nm.Barium sulfate also improves the mechanical properties of coatings, such as surface hardness, abrasion resistance, and impact resistance, and increases the corrosion resistance of paints and coatings. Furthermore, it is considered environmentally friendly and non-toxic.

[0028] According to further training, a diffuser at the outlet area, such as the diffuser already mentioned at the outlet area of ​​the reflection section, can be considered a scattering film PC 26 0060 G 8 / 24 4. February 2026

[0029] and / or be a glass with a structured surface, in particular a frosted glass.

[0030] According to a further development, a reflective layer that at least partially forms the reflective surface can have a layer thickness of 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm, in particular 0.7 mm to 1.2 mm, preferably about 1.0 mm. This allows for particularly good homogenization of the radiation by means of the reflection section.

[0031] According to a further development, the beam angle of the irradiation unit, relative to a half-value angle 0, can be in a range of 30 degrees to 75 degrees, preferably in a range of 45 degrees to 65 degrees. This allows for particularly good homogenization of the radiation by means of the reflection section. The irradiation unit can be oriented towards the sample container, i.e., in particular perpendicular to the sample plane and / or a bottom surface of the sample chamber.

[0032] According to a further development, the total power, in particular the total electrical power, of the irradiation unit per irradiation area, or of several simultaneously operable irradiation units per irradiation area, can be a maximum of 1 watt, preferably a maximum of 500 milliwatts, and more preferably a maximum of 350 milliwatts. This has the advantage that, compared to other devices of this type, a relatively low power is required to achieve homogeneous irradiation. Furthermore, limiting the power better prevents unwanted heating of an irradiated sample or sample container. The specified values ​​can refer in particular to maximum powers (corresponding to 100% of the adjustable power per irradiation area) of one or more PC 26 0060 G 9 / 24 4 February 2026

[0033] Irradiation units per irradiation area. However, it may be provided that the power of at least one irradiation unit is adjustable.

[0034] According to a further development, the distance between the at least one irradiation unit and the outlet area can be in a range between 1.0 cm and 8.0 cm, particularly between 1.0 cm and 5.0 cm, preferably between 1.5 cm and 2.5 cm. This ensures a sufficiently long reflection section to achieve radiation homogenization. Furthermore, this distance better prevents the sample from being heated by the at least one irradiation unit. Larger distances, on the other hand, would have the disadvantage of requiring more installation space for the reflection section, which would adversely increase the overall space requirement of the device.

[0035] According to further training, the diffuser, particularly the transmissive diffuser, can have an isotropic surface structure, so that the electromagnetic radiation passed through the diffuser during use is emitted from the outlet area towards the sample container without a preferred direction. This prevents unwanted, directional irradiation of the sample by the diffuser.

[0036] According to a further development, the base of the reflection section can be formed by a printed circuit board that carries at least one irradiation unit. Control electronics for controlling the at least one irradiation unit can also be integrated into the printed circuit board. The at least one irradiation unit can, for example, be a light-emitting diode. PC 26 0060 G 10 / 24 4 February 2026

[0037] According to a further development, a cooling device can be arranged below the irradiation area, preferably a cooling device comprising a heat sink and / or a fan. This allows the waste heat generated by the at least one irradiation unit to be directed away from the outlet area of ​​the reflection section in order to further prevent unwanted heating of the sample plane and / or the sample chamber.

[0038] According to a further development, the sample container receptacle can be designed to receive a sample container designed as a microtiter plate, wherein the device has several independent irradiation areas, and wherein each well of the microtiter plate is assigned exactly one irradiation area.

[0039] The invention further relates to the use of a device as described and / or claimed herein for irradiating a sample with electromagnetic radiation, in particular an adjustable and / or variable wavelength range. For example, this sample may be a biological and / or chemical sample. The device can be used to induce targeted changes and / or effects in a sample. Preferably, the device can be used to perform optogenetic and / or photopharmacological experiments.

[0040] The term "homogenization" as used in the invention can mean a uniform and consistent distribution of electromagnetic radiation, in particular light, within a specific area (such as the irradiation area). A distribution can still be considered homogeneous even if, with respect to the specific area, there is no difference in radiation intensity, as is particularly evident from PC 26 0060 G 11 / 24 4 February 2026

[0041] A difference in brightness distribution exists between a minimum and a maximum value within a defined range of a maximum of 20%, in particular a maximum of 15%, in particular a maximum of 10%, preferably a maximum of 5%. This difference can, in particular, be a fall-off at the edges. To determine the degree of homogenization, a line scan system can be used, for example, to measure the illumination of the defined area (such as the irradiation area), whereby a difference between a minimum and a maximum value can also be determined. Homogenization could also be measured using other methods, such as a camera-based measurement system.

[0042] The term “diffuse” in the context of the invention can mean that emitted and / or reflected photons have intersecting propagation paths.

[0043] The term "Lambert reflector" is to be understood in the technical sense as it is known from the prior art. For example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), especially in sintered, microporous form, which can be in the form of a film or a film-like element, can be considered a Lambertian reflector in the technical sense.

[0044] In particular, this can be a reflective section that scatters incident light completely or almost completely and uniformly or almost uniformly in all directions, especially within a surrounding hemisphere. The luminance or radiance emanating from the surface of the reflective section is identical or almost identical in all directions of emission. The radiance of the reflective section follows Lambert's cosine law, where the emitted intensity is proportional or almost proportional to the cosine of the angle between the direction of emission and the surface normal. PC 26 0060 G 12 / 24 4 February 2026

[0045] Thus, the reflection section appears with the same or nearly the same brightness from all viewing angles.

[0046] The term "isotropic surface structure" as used in the invention can mean that surface properties are identical or nearly identical in all directions. For example, with regard to geometry, this can mean that it is uniformly distributed in all directions. There is no distinct orientation and / or texture in the microstructure of the surface. The surface appears the same or nearly the same from all viewing angles. Measurements of the surface properties yield identical or nearly identical values, regardless of the measurement direction.

[0047] In particular, this can be understood to mean that a surface texture has a random, non-directional structure.

[0048] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to an exemplary embodiment, but is not limited to this embodiment. Further exemplary embodiments result from the combination of the features of one or more claims with each other and / or with one or more features of the exemplary embodiments.

[0049] It shows:

[0050] Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a possible embodiment of a device for irradiating a sample with electromagnetic radiation according to the invention, in which no sample container is placed on the sample container holder. PC 26 0060 G 13 / 24 4 . February 2026

[0051] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention for irradiating a sample with electromagnetic radiation.

[0052] The electromagnetic radiation intended for irradiation can refer to light across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, i.e., specifically including UV and infrared radiation. In a limited sense, it can refer only to the wavelength range of visible light.

[0053] The device 1 is suitable and intended for carrying out the irradiation of a biological and / or chemical sample with electromagnetic radiation.

[0054] It comprises a sample container receptacle 2 formed on the top of the device, onto which a sample container can be placed, wherein at least the irradiation zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 of the device 1 are assigned or assignable to the sample container receptacle 2 and / or the sample container in the state positioned on the device 1. The embodiment of the device 1 shown in Fig. 1 comprises several irradiation zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. The number of irradiation zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 corresponds to the number of separated sample receptacles (also referred to as wells) of the sample container. The present embodiment has a sample container receptacle 2 which is configured for the use of a microtiter plate, such as a 24- or 96-well plate. The sample container is placed on top of the device 1, whereby the sample contained therein can be irradiated from below through the bottom of the sample container.Each well of the sample container is assigned its own separate irradiation area 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 for use with device 1. Crosstalk from the irradiation of a PC 26 0060 G 14 / 24 4. February 2026.

[0055] Irradiation zone 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 into another irradiation zone 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 is prevented. Thus, the irradiation dose for each well can be precisely defined.

[0056] All irradiation zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 of the device 1 are constructed identically. Each irradiation zone 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 has a reflection section 9 for homogenizing the electromagnetic radiation emitted by at least one irradiation unit 10. The reflection section 9 extends between the floor 21, on or near which the at least one irradiation unit 10 is arranged, and an outlet area 11, at which the homogenized radiation leaves the reflection section 9.

[0057] A reflective surface 12 is formed on the inward-facing wall of the reflection section 9 such that it reflects the incident electromagnetic radiation diffusely or at least substantially diffusely. The reflective surface 12 of the reflection section 9 can therefore be formed, at least partially, for example, by a Lambertian reflector, and in particular by a reflector with a Lambertian scattering surface. As described above, a Lambertian reflector is understood here to be a material that has a bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) that approximates the Lambertian ideal, wherein the diffuse component of the total reflection is preferably at least about 90%.

[0058] A transmissive diffuser 13 is arranged at the outlet area 11 and / or forming the outlet area 11 of the reflection section 9. The radiation passing through the diffuser 13 remains undirected or is further homogenized by it. The diffuser 13 can, for example, be a PC 26 0060 G 15 / 24 4. February 2026

[0059] The diffusing film 19 and / or a glass with a structured surface, in particular as frosted glass, may be used. The diffusing film 19 can, for example, be applied to a transmissive substrate. The glass can, for example, be structured on one or both sides. It can be produced by grinding, lapping, etching and / or structures introduced into the glass (e.g., laser processing).

[0060] The reflection section 9 comprises a chamber 14, which is designed as a cavity. The chamber 14 is filled with a fluid, preferably surrounding the device 1, such as the ambient air of the device 1 and / or a specific gas mixture. The chamber 14 is therefore not gas-tight.

[0061] The wall of the reflection section 9, which forms the reflection surface 12 of the reflection section 9 on the inwardly directed surface, comprises at least two layers 15, 16, preferably made of different materials.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the reflection section 9 comprises an interface layer arranged below a diffuse reflection layer 16. The surface of the interface layer 15 exhibits essentially no or nearly no transmission and / or no or nearly no absorption of incident radiation. The diffuse reflection layer 16 may, under certain circumstances, be transmissive to a small degree, so that the interface layer 15 prevents crosstalk of radiation from one of the irradiation areas 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 to an adjacent irradiation area 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and / or from one reflection section 9 to a reflection section 9 of another irradiation area 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. PC 26 0060 G 16 / 24 4 February 2026

[0063] Furthermore, the boundary layer 15 can function as a support material 18 (support layer). This means that the shape of the reflection section 9 is defined by the rigid boundary layer 15, and a diffuse reflection layer 16, for example a film 17 and / or a lacquer layer, is applied to the boundary layer 15. The reflection layer 16, which at least partially forms the reflection surface 12, can have a thickness of 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm, in particular 0.7 mm to 1.2 mm, preferably about 1.0 mm.

[0064] Each irradiation area 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 comprises at least one irradiation unit 10, which is arranged on or near the base 21 of the reflection section 9. The radiation angle of each irradiation unit 10 directed towards the outlet area 11, relative to a half-value angle 0, lies in a range of 30 degrees to 75 degrees, preferably in a range of 45 degrees to 65 degrees. The total power, in particular the total electrical power, of the irradiation unit 10 per irradiation area 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or of the several irradiation units 10 that can be operated simultaneously per irradiation area 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, is a maximum of 1 watt, preferably a maximum of 500 milliwatts, and more preferably a maximum of 350 milliwatts.

[0065] A distance 20 between the at least one irradiation unit 10 and the outlet area 11 lies in a range between 1.0 cm and 8.0 cm, in particular between 1.0 cm and 5.0 cm, preferably in a range between 1.5 cm and 2.5 cm. The distance 20 can therefore be equated with a length of the reflection section 9.

[0066] The diffuser 13 can have an isotropic surface structure, so that the electromagnetic radiation guided through the diffuser 10 during use is non-directional. PC 26 0060 G 17 / 24 4 February 2026

[0067] is emitted from outlet area 11 in the direction of sample container receptacle 2.

[0068] The base 21 of the reflection section 9 is formed by a printed circuit board 22. The at least one irradiation unit 10 per irradiation area 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 is arranged directly on the printed circuit board 22. The printed circuit board 22 also includes control electronics for controlling the individual irradiation units 10 of the device 1. The printed circuit board 22 is arranged such that it forms a continuous base 21 for all reflection sections 9. PC 26 0060 G 18 / 24 4 February 2026

[0069] Reference symbol list

[0070] 1 Device

[0071] 2 Sample container holder

[0072] 3 Irradiation area

[0073] 4 Irradiation area

[0074] 5 Irradiation area

[0075] 6 Irradiation area

[0076] 7 Irradiation area

[0077] 8 Irradiation area

[0078] 9 Reflection section

[0079] 10 irradiation units

[0080] 11 Outlet area

[0081] 12 reflective surface

[0082] 13 Diffuser

[0083] Room 14

[0084] 15 Boundary layer

[0085] 16 Diffuse reflective layer

[0086] Slide 17

[0087] 18 Carrier material

[0088] 19 Scatter film (on backing material) 20 Spacing

[0089] 21 Floor

[0090] 22 Circuit board

Claims

PC 26 0060 G 19 / 24 4 . February 2026 Claims 1. Device (1) for irradiating a sample with electromagnetic radiation, in particular with optical radiation, the device (1) comprising a sample container receptacle (2) for a sample container, wherein at least one irradiation area (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) of the device (1) is assigned or assignable to the sample container in the state positioned on the device (1), characterized in that the at least one irradiation area (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) has a reflection section (9) for homogenizing electromagnetic radiation, which extends at least sectionally between an irradiation unit (10) and an outlet area (11), wherein the reflection section (9) has a reflection surface (12) that reflects the electromagnetic radiation substantially diffusely.

2. Device ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that a diffuser ( 13 ) is arranged at the outlet area ( 11 ) of the reflection section ( 9 ).

3. Device ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that a space ( 14 ) formed by the reflection section ( 9 ) is filled with a fluid, in particular with ambient air of the device ( 1 ).

4. Device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims , characterized in that the reflection surface ( 12 ) of the reflection section ( 9 ) is formed by a Lambertian reflector .

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reflection section (9) is made of at least two different materials. PC 26 0060 G 20 / 24 4 February 2026 trained shifts ( 15 , 16 ) is trained .

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reflection section (9) has a boundary layer (15) which is arranged below a diffuse reflection layer (16).

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that a surface of the boundary layer ( 15 ) leads to essentially no or almost no transmission and / or no or almost no absorption of incident radiation.

8. Device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims , characterized in that the reflection section ( 9 ) achieves a diffusive reflection of at least 80% .

9. Device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims , characterized in that the reflection section ( 9 ) achieves a diffusive reflection of at least 90% .

10. Device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims , characterized in that the reflection section ( 9 ) achieves a constant or nearly constant reflection strength over a wavelength range from 300 nm to 1000 nm .

11. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diffusive reflective surface (12), in particular the diffusive reflective layer (16), is formed by a film (17) and / or a lacquer layer applied to a Carrier material ( 18 ) , in particular the boundary layer ( 15 ) , is applied .

12. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or the outlet area (11) of the reflection section (9) PC 26 0060 G 21 / 24 4 February 2026 arranged diffuser ( 13 ) is designed as a diffusing film ( 19 ) and / or a glass with a structured surface, in particular a frosted glass .

13. Device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims , characterized in that a reflective layer ( 16 ) forming at least part of the reflective surface ( 12 ) has a layer thickness of 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm, in particular of 0.7 mm to 1.2 mm, preferably about 1.0 mm .

14. Device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims , characterized in that a beam angle of the irradiation unit ( 10 ) with reference to a half-value angle 0 lies in a range of 30 degrees to 75 degrees, preferably in a range of 45 degrees to 65 degrees .

15. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the total power of the irradiation unit (10) per irradiation area (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) or of several simultaneously operable irradiation units (10) per irradiation area (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) is a maximum of 1 watt, preferably a maximum of 500 milliwatts, more preferably a maximum of 350 milliwatts.

16. Device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims , characterized in that a distance ( 20 ) between the at least one irradiation unit ( 10 ) and the outlet area ( 11 ) is in a range between 1.0 cm and 8.0 cm, in particular between 1.0 cm and 5.0 cm, preferably in a range between 1.5 cm and 2.5 cm .

17. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diffuser (13) has an isotropic surface structure, such that the electromagnetic radiation guided through the diffuser (10) during use is emitted without a preferred direction from PC 26 0060 G 22 / 24 4 February 2026 Outlet area ( 11 ) in the direction of the Sample container mount (2) is emitted.

18. Device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a base (21 ) of the reflection section ( 9 ) is formed by a circuit board (22 ) which carries at least one irradiation unit ( 10 ).

19. Device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cooling device is arranged below the at least one irradiation area (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 ), preferably a cooling device comprising a heat sink and / or a fan .

20. Device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the The sample container receptacle (2) is designed to receive a sample container designed as a microtiter plate, such that the device (1) has several independent irradiation areas (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and that each well of the microtiter plate is assigned exactly one irradiation area (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8).

21. Device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reflective surface ( 12 ) of the reflection section ( 9) does not have a pronounced specular reflection component .

22. Device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reflection section ( 9 ) is at least partially made of polytetrafluoroethylene .

23. Use of a device according to one of the preceding claims for irradiating a sample with PC 26 0060 G 23 / 24 4 February 2026 electromagnetic radiation.

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