Bio-Rad iCycler iQ Real Time PCR Thermal Cycler, 515–700 nm, model iCycler iQ, is manufactured by Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. . Multiplexing of up to 5 fluorophores in each reaction vessel conserves precious samples and reagents Real-time PCR thermal gradient enables simple, rapid assay optimization Diverse data analysis and presentation options provide a comprehensive view of your assay results Advanced gene expression analysis methods with publication-quality statistics and graphs for relative quantitation studies Flexible allelic discrimination module allows easy-to-use, automatic sample identification in genotyping experiments Embedded tools for end-point fluorescence analysis enables simple qualitative analysis of sample abundance in single- or multicolor assays Robust, reliable thermal cycling performance delivered by the iCycler thermal cycler The high performance iQ real-time PCR detection system of the BioRad iCyler iQ PCR Thermal Cycler offers the ideal balance of power and flexibility for multiple applications. The iQ system matches sensitive filter based optics with the gradient-capable of 96-well block of the BioRad iCycler iQ thermal cycler. A high resolution charge-coupled device (CCD)- based optical design optimize the BioRad iCycler iQ thermal cycler system for multiplex analysis enabling extremely reproducible quantitation for up to 4 targets simultaneously Data collection from the BioRad iCycler iQ system demonstrate outstanding uniformity over a broad dynamic range of input sample concentrations BioRad iCylcer iQ Real-time PCR- Thermal cycler Details The optical module houses the excitation system and the detection system. The Excitation system consists of a fan-cooled 50 watt tungsten halogen lamp a heat filter (infrared absorbing glass) a 6 position filter wheel fitted with optical filters and opaque filter “blanks” and dual mirror arrangement that allows simultaneous illumination of the entire sample plate. The excitation system of the BioRad iCycler iQ PCR Thermal Cycler is physically located on the right front corner of the optical module with the lamp shining from right to left perpendicular to the instrument axis. Light originates at the lamp passes through the heat filter and a selected color filter and is then reflected onto the 96 well plate in the thermal cycler by a set of mirrors. This light source excites the fluorescent molecules in the wells.