Abstract: A continuous wave laser excites a biological particle. Detection channels are created to detect light scattered by the biological particle, and to detect any auto-fluorescence emitted by the biological particle. Additional channels can also detect light emitted by auto-fluorescence of the biological particle when simultaneously excited by light at harmonics of the laser's fundamental wavelength. The biological particle is identified using Mie scattering and auto-fluorescence. Ratio-metric calculations generated by calculating ratios of detected peak heights or integrated pulse values in the channels provides additional information for identifying and classifying the biological particle. A warning or alert can be provided if the identified biological particle is a particle of interest.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 7, 2002
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2005
Assignee:
S31, LLC
Inventors:
David B. Silcott, Greg A. Tilley, Brian R. Whitman, Steven J. Pratt