Techniques are described for the detection of multiple target species in
real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction). For example, a system
comprises a data acquisition device and a detection device coupled to the
data acquisition device. The detection device includes a rotating disk
having a plurality of process chambers having a plurality of species that
emit fluorescent light at different wavelengths. The device further
includes a plurality of removable optical modules that are optically
configured to excite the species and capture fluorescent light emitted by
the species at different wavelengths. A fiber optic bundle coupled to the
plurality of removable optical modules conveys the fluorescent light from
the optical modules to a single detector. In addition, the device may
control the flow of fluid in the disk by locating and selectively opening
valves separating chambers by heating the valves with a laser.