New optical design for automated DNA sequencer

Eric S. Nordman; Charles R. Connell

doi:10.1117/12.237617

1 April 1996 New optical design for automated DNA sequencer

Eric S. Nordman, Charles R. Connell

Proceedings Volume 2680, Ultrasensitive Biochemical Diagnostics; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.237617
Event: Photonics West '96, 1996, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

A second generation optical design for the ABI PRISM^TM 377 DNA sequencer enhances sensitivity and increases sequencing throughput by taking advantage of simultaneous four color detection using a spectrograph and CCD array. On-axis laser illumination using a small turning mirror to excite sample fluorescence replaces the Brewster's angle geometry of the first generation sequencer. The small turning mirror blocks direct reflection of laser light from the collection path. Alignment precision and mechanical stability must be sufficient to avoid image wander on the spectrograph slit which would add noise. The spectrograph slit is underfilled to maximize signal strength and reduce mechanical vibration sensitivity. The primary noise sources have been identified and minimized such that the instrument is shot noise limited. The instrument may be reconfigured through software for use of additional or different fluorescent dye labels as required by new genetic analysis applications. The overall result is a flexible instrument platform with increased throughput, improved sensitivity and longer sequences read.

Citation Download Citation

Eric S. Nordman and Charles R. Connell "New optical design for automated DNA sequencer", Proc. SPIE 2680, Ultrasensitive Biochemical Diagnostics, (1 April 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.237617

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