Abstract: A system for the identification of micro-organisms includes an irradiation unit adapted to sequentially provide coherent electromagnetic radiation of one or more wavelengths along a common optical path. A holder is adapted to retain a substrate having a surface adapted for growth of a micro-organism colony. A beamsplitter is adapted to direct the coherent electromagnetic radiation from the common optical path towards the retained substrate. An imager is arranged opposite the beamsplitter from the retained substrate and is adapted to obtain images of backward-scattered light patterns from the micro-organism colony irradiated by the respective wavelengths of the directed coherent electromagnetic radiation. Some examples provide radiation of multiple wavelengths and include an imager arranged optically downstream of the retained substrate to obtain images of forward-scattered light patterns from the micro-organism colony irradiated by the wavelengths of radiation.

Abstract: A system and a method of detecting and characterizing a bacterial colony are presented in which the results are determined within about 48 hours. The bacterial colony is disposed on a substrate and placed between a laser and detector. Light from the laser impinges upon and is scattered by the bacterial colony. The forward scattered light is detected by an optical detector. The signal from the optical detector is analyzed by an analyzer and displayed or supplied to a storage medium for review. As different strains of bacteria possess unique forward scattering fingerprints, the particular strain may be identified.