Fluorescence detection instrument with orthogonal laser entry

Abstract

A detector assembly for analysis of light emitted form a fluorescent material, an optical alignment assembly for introducing an output beam into a detector array or demultiplexer, and methods of demultiplexing a beam of light into wavelength bands. The detector assembly generally includes an optical alignment assembly to introduce an output beam having a projected optical axis into an array of filters. The optical alignment assembly is mounted substantially orthogonally to a plane of reflective light defined by the path of the output beam through the filter array. The array includes filters arranged in two rows in parallel. Each filter transmits a particular band of the output beam and reflects the remaining bands to the next filter in the opposite row of filters. The array further includes a plurality of detectors mounted in detector ports. The optical alignment assembly presented herein generally includes a housing configured to receive an optical fiber, at least one collimating lens, a rotatable housing member with a beam reflecting element attached thereto. The optical alignment assembly is adjustable to introduce an output beam into a detector array utilizing a rotational adjustment mechanism and a goniometric tilt adjustment mechanism. These two mechanisms ensure that the point of entry of a light beam into the array remains at a fixed point in space despite the rotation or tilt of the rotatable housing member.