Quantica®, a real-time nucleic acid detection system, has been designed with an open architecture and chemistry format that allows the user flexibility in methods and research pursuits. The unit features a solid-state white light source and photomultiplier tube detector, dynamic range, and multiplexing capabilities of up to four dyes. The design of the optical heated lid system ensures minimal sample loss and prevents sample condensation. Quantica offers real-time experiment monitoring and flexibility of reagents and assays. It is supplied with Quansoft software including plate layout, experiment, and program editors.