Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide thermal block assemblies and instruments providing low thermal non-uniformity for rapid thermal cycling.SOLUTION: Various embodiments of a thermal block assembly having low thermal non-uniformity provide for desired performance of bioanalysis instrumentation utilizing such thermal block assemblies. A thermal block assembly for thermal cycling comprises: a sample block having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is adapted for receiving a sample support device; a heat sink comprising a base having a first surface, a second surface and a plurality fins pendant the second surface, wherein a space between each fin provides for a flow path for air passing from an inlet side of the plurality of fins to an outlet side of the plurality of fins; and a plurality of thermal electric devices positioned between the sample block and heat sink.