An optical instrument monitors PCR replication of DNA in a reaction apparatus having vials of reaction ingredients. The diffuse plate and the corner cube array are positioned in an order of the diffuse plate and the corner cube array. The manifold system is constructed so that after it has been installed, it may be converted for use in other applications such as between compressed gas cylinders and portable bulk liquefied gas. Active regions of different rows may be offset from each other such that no active region overlaps with another active region over the same data track. The acknowledge signal is a periodic clock signal, and corresponds to the output power of the power supply. There is further a catalyst comprising a refractory inorganic material carrier having a sodium solubilization rate no greater than 5 ppmw5 minutes; and one or more catalytically reactive metals deposited on said carrier.