Abstract: The present embodiments relate to an optical system design that aims to enhance the throughput of imaging-based particle sorting systems without requiring the need for multiple sequential camera exposures to determine the speed of particles as they pass through the field of view. The system as described herein can use either one chromatic digital camera or two synchronized digital cameras (either monochromatic or chromatic) and two pulsed lasers at different wavelengths. The system can capture images of particles flowing in a stream such that each exposure is illuminated by one or two pulses of laser light from light sources to determine each identified target particle's speed in the stream. The information collected from the system can be used to control the actuation and timing of actuation of a particle sorting device downstream of the image sample region.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a particle separation device. The particle separation device can include an inlet, a main channel comprising a series of angled portions to separate particles of varying sizes and varying flow rates. The particle separation device can also include a number of outlets to obtain particles of varying sizes. In some instances, the main channel can include multiple stages to allow for multi-stage sorting to increase sorting performance.