A microarray chip imaging detector comprises a housing configured to receive a microarray chip. The detector includes a laser assembly supported by the housing and oriented at an angle relative to the microarray chip, the laser assembly configured to transmit an excitation beam along a first axis to samples on the microarray chip. The detector also includes a camera supported by the housing and positioned along a second axis, the camera configured to receive fluorescent light emitted from fluorophores in the samples on the microarray chip, the second axis oriented at an angle less than 30 degrees relative to the first axis. The housing includes a plurality of baffles positioned between the microarray chip and the camera, and a plurality of laser beamstops to receive the excitation beam reflected off the microarray chip.