Sampling array devices and system for spectral analysis

Abstract

A system for use in spectral analysis procedures can include a slide and a holder for carrying the slide. The slide includes a substrate forming a plurality of wells that are recessed relative to a surface of the substrate. Each of the wells forms a sample region that is recessed by a sample depth from the surface and a trough region that is recessed by a trough depth from the surface, the trough depth being greater than the sample depth. The holder includes a body defining a cavity between a first side and a second side of the body, a port for receiving the slide into the cavity, one or more first fenestrations on the first side, and one or more second fenestrations on the second side.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A slide comprising:
 a substrate forming a plurality of wells that are recessed relative to a surface of the substrate, wherein each of the wells forms a sample region that is recessed by a sample depth from the surface and a trough region that is recessed by a trough depth from the surface, the trough depth being greater than the sample depth.   
     
     
         2 . The slide of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate transmits electromagnetic radiation. 
     
     
         3 . The slide of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate is a salt. 
     
     
         4 . The slide of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate comprises AgBr, AgCl, Al 2 O 3 , AMTIR, BaF 2 , CaF 2 , CdTe, CsI, diamond, Ge, KBr, KCl, KRS-5, LiF, MgF 2 , NaCl, Si, SiO 2 , ZnS, ZnSe, and/or ZrO 2 . 
     
     
         5 . The slide of  claim 1 , wherein a periphery of the slide forms a bilaterally asymmetric shape. 
     
     
         6 . The slide of  claim 1 , wherein the trough region extends entirely about the sample region. 
     
     
         7 . The slide of  claim 1 , wherein the sample region is concentrically within the trough region. 
     
     
         8 . The slide of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of wells are provided in a plurality of rows, wherein each row comprises at least two of the plurality of wells. 
     
     
         9 . The slide of  claim 1 , wherein the slide is reusable. 
     
     
         10 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A method comprising:
 providing samples to each of a plurality of wells formed in a slide, each of the wells being recessed relative to a surface of the slide;   enclosing the wells by applying a cover to the surface of the slide;   inserting the slide and the cover into a cavity of a holder; and   emitting electromagnetic radiation through one or more first fenestrations of the holder, one or more second fenestrations of the holder, and the sample.   
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising inserting the holder into a receptacle of a plate attached to an imaging device. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein inserting the holder comprises positioning the sample at a focal length of the imaging device. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising heating the samples to a target temperature by conducting heat through the holder. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising placing a cap in thermal contact with an outer surface of the holder. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the emitting the electromagnetic radiation comprises emitting the electromagnetic radiation through one or more third fenestrations of the cap. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the inserting the slide and the cover comprises inserting the slide and the cover through a port of the holder. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising, after inserting the slide in the cover, obstructing the port with a block. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the electromagnetic radiation is infrared light. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising, after the emitting the electromagnetic radiation, detecting a characteristic of the electromagnetic radiation not absorbed by the sample. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising:
 after the emitting the electromagnetic radiation, changing the temperature of the sample; and   emitting additional electromagnetic radiation through the one or more first fenestrations and the one or more second fenestrations of the holder and through the sample.