Abstract: An imaging flow cytometry system and method which includes a flow chamber, light obscuration analysis and imaging optics, image capturing system, device to regulate fluid flow through the chamber, and backlighting generator. The flow cell is configured so that light obscuration signals can be detected from the same passing particles that are imaged.

Abstract: An imaging flow cytometry system and method which includes a flow chamber, light obscuration analysis and imaging optics, image capturing system, device to regulate fluid flow through the chamber, and backlighting generator. The flow cell is configured so that light obscuration signals can be detected from the same passing particles that are imaged.

Abstract: A particle detection system with a detection mechanism that includes detectors positioned to detect two different ranges of fluorescence produced by particles in the fluid in a flow chamber. Each of the detectors is arranged to generating a trigger signal whenever fluorescence is detected. The system and related method enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of blue-green algae monitoring by utilizing imaging flow cytometry combined with particle analysis and the measurement of the ratio of each particle's phycocyanin to chlorophyll b detected by using the two detectors configured for detection of two different fluorescence ranges, one associated with the phycocyanin and the other associated with the chlorophyll b. Captured images are be used in comparison to known images of a library of images using a support vector machine classifier.

Abstract: A flow chamber, imaging objective, condenser and imaging light source as part of an optical system includes an oil-immersion objective and high numerical aperture condenser matched to a rectangular flow chamber. The oil-immersion objective and flow chamber include a high index of refraction immersion oil so as to enhance the optical resolution and optical coupling therethrough. The flow chamber is reinforced with stiffening wires that are arranged to extend above a surface of the sidewalls of the flow chamber so as to function as a barrier to leakage of the immersion oil away from the surface of the flow chamber.

Abstract: A particle detection system with a detection mechanism that includes detectors positioned to detect two different ranges of fluorescence produced by particles in the fluid in a flow chamber. Each of the detectors is arranged to generating a trigger signal whenever fluorescence is detected. The system and related method enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of blue-green algae monitoring by utilizing imaging flow cytometry combined with particle analysis and the measurement of the ratio of each particle's phycocyanin to chlorophyll b detected by using the two detectors configured for detection of two different fluorescence ranges, one associated with the phycocyanin and the other associated with the chlorophyll b. Captured images are be used in comparison to known images of a library of images using a support vector machine classifier.

Abstract: An imaging flow cytometry system including dark field illumination to contrast particles in a flowing fluid. The system includes a condenser with blocking aperture and a numerical aperture of no less than 0.4. The system also includes a microscope objective for focusing dark field illuminated particles, wherein the objective has a numerical aperture of 0.3. The system further includes imaging optics, an image capturing system and a backlighting generator.

Abstract: An imaging system with an imaging mechanism which includes polarization analyzers, which may be crossed polarization analyzers, positioned to provide birefringence images of particles in the fluid passing through the flow chamber. Captured images are of high resolution and may be used in comparison to known images of a library of images. The system and related method enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of particle monitoring by utilizing birefringence imaging combined with particle analysis and the detection of each particle's characteristic features, such as crystalline features. The system includes a scatter detector used to trigger backlighting of the flow chamber and capture images of particles therein.

Abstract: An imaging flow cytometry system and method which includes a flow chamber, fluorescence analysis and imaging optics, image capturing system, device to regulate fluid flow through the chamber, and backlighting generator. The flow cell is configured so as to enhance the fluorescence signal collection by the system with total internal reflections. The fluorescence collection optics are configured to enhance the collection of the fluorescence from the side of the flow cell and concentrate it on light detectors.

Abstract: An imaging flow cytometry system and method which includes a flow chamber, fluorescence analysis and imaging optics, image capturing system, device to regulate fluid flow through the chamber, and backlighting generator. The flow cell is configured so as to enhance the fluorescence signal collection by the system with total internal reflections. The fluorescence collection optics are configured to enhance the collection of the fluorescence from the side of the flow cell and concentrate it on light detectors.

Abstract: An imaging system with an imaging mechanism which includes polarization analyzers, which may be crossed polarization analyzers, positioned to provide birefringence images of particles in the fluid passing through the flow chamber. Captured images are of high resolution and may be used in comparison to known images of a library of images. The system and related method enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of particle monitoring by utilizing birefringence imaging combined with particle analysis and the detection of each particle's characteristic features, such as crystalline features. The system includes a scatter detector used to trigger backlighting of the flow chamber and capture images of particles therein.

Abstract: A fluid submersible sensing device is provided comprising a fluid-tight housing defining an internal chamber and including window structure; sensing structure provided in the internal chamber; light providing apparatus in the internal chamber emitting light capable of passing through the window structure so as to exit the housing; and a sample-providing structure coupled to the housing and located outside of the housing internal chamber comprising a passage through which a fluid flows. The passage may have a longitudinal axis substantially parallel with a flow path through the passage and a cross sectional area substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. The light from the housing exits the housing, passes through the sample-providing structure including the passage and re-enters the housing toward the sensing structure.

Abstract: An imaging system with an imaging mechanism which includes polarization analyzers, which may be crossed polarization analyzers, positioned to provide birefringence images of particles in the fluid passing through the flow chamber. Captured images are of high resolution and may be used in comparison to known images of a library of images. The system and related method enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of particle monitoring by utilizing birefringence imaging combined with particle analysis and the detection of each particle's characteristic features, such as crystalline features. The system includes a scatter detector used to trigger backlighting of the flow chamber and capture images of particles therein.

Abstract: An imaging flow cytometry system and method which includes a flow chamber, tracking mirror, microscope and imaging optics, image capturing system, device to regulate fluid flow through the chamber, and backlighting generator. The tracking mirror moves at a rate matched to the particle velocity in the flow chamber so as to enhance the sample flow rates possible with the system while maintaining clear and accurate imaging. The backlighting generator passes through the flow chamber and the objective before being focused on the image capturing system. Detected scatter events initiate tracking by the mirror, resulting in imaging with reduced motion blur even at high rates of flow.

Abstract: A flow chamber, imaging objective, condenser and imaging light source as part of an optical system includes an oil-immersion objective and high numerical aperture condenser matched to a rectangular flow chamber. The oil-immersion objective and flow chamber include a high index of refraction immersion oil so as to enhance the optical resolution and optical coupling therethrough. The imaging light source generates light which passes through the condenser, the flow chamber and then the objective before being focused onto an imaging camera. Fluorescence excitation passes through the objective to the flow chamber where the oil immersion configuration enhances the focus and collection of the light back through the objective.

Abstract: A particle detection system with a detection mechanism that includes detectors positioned to detect two different ranges of fluorescence produced by particles in the fluid in a flow chamber. Each of the detectors is arranged to generating a trigger signal whenever fluorescence is detected. The system and related method enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of blue-green algae monitoring by utilizing imaging flow cytometry combined with particle analysis and the measurement of the ratio of each particle's phycocyanin to chlorophyll b detected by using the two detectors configured for detection of two different fluorescence ranges, one associated with the phycocyanin and the other associated with the chlorophyll b. Optionally, captured images may be used in comparison to known images of a library of images.

Abstract: A flow chamber, imaging objective, condenser and imaging light source as part of an optical system includes an oil-immersion objective and high numerical aperture condenser matched to a rectangular flow chamber. The oil-immersion objective and flow chamber include a high index of refraction immersion oil so as to enhance the optical resolution and optical coupling therethrough. The imaging light source generates light which passes through the condenser, the flow chamber and then the objective before being focused onto an imaging camera. Fluorescence excitation passes through the objective to the flow chamber where the oil immersion configuration enhances the focus and collection of the light back through the objective.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for studying particles in a fluid that advantageously allows particles having a broad range of particle size, e.g., in the 3-1000 .mu.m range, to be readily imaged and counted.