LabChip GX Instrument Description 273
V4.2 LabChip GX User Manual PerkinElmer
Optics
The LabChip GX optics provide fluorescence detection (red
excitation and red emission) for DNA, RNA, Protein and Glycan
chips and assays. (Protein, Glycan, and Protein Charge Variant
assays are only supported on LabChip GX II instruments.)
Red Laser
The LabChip GX instrument includes a high intensity, long-life red
diode laser to excite fluorescence on microfluidic chips. It is
expected to have a lifetime of tens of thousands of operating hours.
Focusing and Alignment
The LabChip GX instruments use back-reflected red diode laser
light for automatic chip focusing.
Photodiode Detectors
The LabChip GX and LabChip GX II use two silicon photodiode
detectors for fluorescence detection and autofocus. Fluorescence
data can be acquired and stored at rates from 20 to 120 Hz.
Optical Train
The fluorescence excitation, fluorescence detection, and autofocus
optical trains contain several lenses and high efficiency interference
filters. The optical trains are factory aligned and do not require
adjustment.
Chip Pressure System
The pressure pump applies pressure or vacuum to the wells on the
chip to move liquid through the chip. The Pressure Pump is located
inside the LabChip GX instrument. O-Rings on the Chip Cartridge
seal the chip wells and maintain the pressure.
Barcode Reader
The LabChip GX instrument is equipped with an internal Barcode
Reader. The Barcode Reader reads the customer-applied barcode
on the short (portrait) edge of the microplate.
Proper selection and placement of barcode labels is critical for
successful reading. See “Placing the Barcode on the Plate” on
page 40 for specifications.
The barcode reader is internal to the system and cannot be viewed
from the outside.