1. A support for an array of fluorescently labeled samples comprising a transparent body defining: (a) an array-support surface and (b) under the support surface, in spaced apart relationship thereto, a field of embedded optical features exposed to be illuminated by a broad light beam of excitation radiation addressed to the support from a predetermined general direction selected to produce a surface wave effect at said support surface, the field of embedded optical features and the support being so constructed that light of the beam incident on the features is launched through the support at an angle to said support surface that produces said surface wave effect of radiation in the manner that it can produce fluorescence from the labeled samples to be imaged beyond said support from a direction different from the direction of said illumination.