Affymetrix, Inc.

Chuan Gao

Devin Nguyen

Melvin Yamamoto

David Stern

Mark Borodkin

Bei-Shen Sywe

Liana Ilkova

Tianyue Yu

Disclosed are calibration apparatuses for fluorescent microscopy instruments and methods of making and using them. Specifically, disclosed are calibration apparatuses with a fluorescent layer, such as photoresist, deposited on a substrate, with an optional layer of a reflective material, such as chrome. Illumination of the fluorescent and/or reflective layers, and detection and analysis of the resulting emissions allows evaluation of the instrument with respect to both reflective and fluorescent channels. Selection of appropriate fluorescent materials for the one or more fluorescent layers allows the evaluation of an instrument with respect to different fluorophores, as would be used with an instrument capable of two color detection. Inclusion of a reflective layer further allows the evaluation and calibration of all optical channels of an instrument, including the reflective channel and two or more fluorescent channels, with a single calibration apparatus for imaging criteria such as uniformity, contrast and emission signal strength.

Methods, systems and apparatuses for testing and calibrating fluorescent scanners

In one embodiment of the invention, a method to image a probe array is described that includes focusing on a plurality of fiducials on a surface of an array. The method utilizes obtaining the best z position of the fiducials and using a surface fitting algorithm to produce a surface fit profile. One or more surface non-flatness parameters can be adjusted to improve the flatness image of the array surface to be imaged.

Methods and devices for reading microarrays

In one aspect of the invention, methods, and devices are provided for creating microfluidic and nanofluidic features. In some embodiments, such methods and devices are used to create at least one channel of a desired volume within a channel in a plastic substrate.

Fabrication of fluidic features within a plastic substrate

In one aspect of the invention, systems, methods, and devices are provided for handling liquid. In some embodiments, such systems, methods, and devices are used to combine fluids while removing gaseous bubbles.

System and method for bubble removal

In one aspect of the invention, systems, methods, and devices are provided for creating microfluidic and nanofluidic structures. In some embodiments, such systems, methods, and devices are used to create features with high aspect ratios in lab cards.

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Sunnyvale, CA, United States of America

Chuan Gao