Relating to chiral detection systems, various improvements are disclosed
including an improved apparatus for detecting a chiral property of a
sample. It has a rugged and stable optical rail that operates as a heat
sink to the systems' elements and comprises a captive guide structure of
heat conductive material having an elevated top platform and a dove
tailed lip on the sides. The elevated top platform has a substantial
width in comparison to a height of the elevated top platform. The
apparatus further includes a wide base portion of heat conductive
material supportive of the captive guide structure. The base has a width
that is at least twice the width of the elevated top platform and a
substantial thickness relative to the captive guide structure. Multiple
system elements can be securely mounted on the captive guide structure
with some elements being in thermal contact with the elevated top
platform.