Abstract: A method, optical apparatus and system for illuminating particles and for detecting emissions from illuminated particles in a flow cytometer. One configuration includes an objective lens coaxially aligned with the flow of particles being analyzed for collecting emissions at a detector.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the inventive technology relate to ‘off-axis detector’ technology that employs a third detector 23 exhibiting a flow orthogonal axis 43 as defined by its EMR collection angle, where such axis is from 30 degrees to 60 degrees from an intended, flow orthogonal, cell cross section long axis alignment line 13, in addition to employing a fourth detector 24 exhibiting a flow orthogonal axis 44 as defined by its collection angle, where such axis is orthogonal to the flow orthogonal, third detector axis 43. Particular embodiments of the inventive technology relate to ‘axially spaced illumination’ technology featuring more than one cell illumination site, where, other than the most upflow illumination site (e.g., 121), all illumination site(s) are downflow of at least one other illumination site. Particular embodiments of the inventive technology may feature aspects of both technologies.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for illuminating particles and for detecting emissions from illuminated particles in a flow cytometer having an optical configuration aligned with a flow or particles.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for illuminating particles and for detecting emissions from illuminated particles in a flow cytometer having an optical configuration aligned with a flow or particles.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the inventive technology relate to ‘off-axis detector’ technology that employs a third detector 23 exhibiting a flow orthogonal axis 43 as defined by its EMR collection angle, where such axis is from 30 degrees to 60 degrees from an intended, flow orthogonal, cell cross section long axis alignment line 13, in addition to employing a fourth detector 24 exhibiting a flow orthogonal axis 44 as defined by its collection angle, where such axis is orthogonal to the flow orthogonal, third detector axis 43. Particular embodiments of the inventive technology relate to ‘axially spaced illumination’ technology featuring more than one cell illumination site, where, other than the most upflow illumination site (e.g., 121), all illumination site(s) are downflow of at least one other illumination site. Particular embodiments of the inventive technology may feature aspects of both technologies.

Abstract: A method, optical apparatus and system for illuminating particles and for detecting emissions from illuminated particles in a flow cytometer. One configuration includes an objective lens coaxially aligned with the flow of particles being analyzed for collecting emissions at a detector.

Abstract: A lens system for collecting and focusing light emanating from an object comprises: a cuvette housing the object and having a wall of thickness not greater than 1.5 millimeters; a plano-convex lens having a planar surface affixed to the wall; a sequence of at least three meniscus lenses, each meniscus lens having a concave surface toward the object and a convex surface, each successive meniscus lens receiving the light from the immediately preceding meniscus lens and having radii of curvature of its concave and convex surfaces greater than corresponding radii of the preceding meniscus lens; and at least one compound lens chosen from the group consisting of a doublet lens and a triplet lens, the compound lens receiving the light from a last meniscus lens, wherein an image of a geometrical point on the object has a root-mean square spot size equal to or less than 63 ?m.

Abstract: An event monitoring system has a plurality of detector units for detecting neutrons or other emissions from radioactive materials (i.e., events). At least one of the detector units has a detector for the events and an amplifier to amplify signals generated by the detector. A signal handler receives the amplified signals and an adder adds to the signals an indication of the detector unit from which the signals originated. A combiner combines the signals. A serial link conveys the combined signals from the signal handler to a signal processor which includes a signal receiver for the combined signals. A time stamper applies to the signal an indication of time of the generation of the signal by the detector unit, and a computer processes the signals, including the time and detector unit indications, using software to produce information on the signals or events they represent.

Abstract: Various optical apparatus provide a source of parallel light (7, 75). The parallel light (7, 75) is generally achieved by directing an incident beam at the apex of a prism (1, 22, 24, 26, 28). The prism may have varying configurations. One configuration has a forward conical face (24). Another configuration has a pyramidal forward end (22). Other configurations are also disclosed. The application also discloses the use of reflectors (20, 78, 216, 316, 400) having internal reflective surfaces shaped as three-dimensional figures of revolution, for example paraboloid or ellipsoid. The reflectors (20, 78, 216, 316) focus light incident onto the reflectors at one or more foci (F, 220, 320, 420). The reflectors may be used in combination with the optical apparatus including the prisms (1, 22, 24, 26, 28). The reflectors (20, 78, 216, 316) may be used in flow cytometers for focussing light at a sample stream (237, 337) passing through the focus (F, 220, 320, 420) of the reflector (20, 78, 216, 316).