Opticon real-time PCR detector featuring an array of 96 blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to excite fluorescent dyes. LEDs provide a long-lived, maintenance-free excitation source for years of uninterrupted performance. Emitted fluorescence is then detected by a photomultiplier tube (PMT). A built-in bandpass-filter detection system separates the specific signal from the background and increases the signal-to-noise ratio resulting in exceptional sensitivity - resulting in the ability to detect as little as one initial template copy, and to accurately quantify the initial template over a broad dynamic range, thus reducing the need for time-consuming dilutions. The Opticon detector's sensitivity also allows a reduction in the consumption of costly reagents without sacrificing data quality.