Abstract: Systems for detecting light (e.g., in a flow stream) are described. Light detection systems according to certain embodiments include a wavelength separator configured to generate first, second and third predetermined spectral ranges of light from a light source and first, second and third light detection modules configured to receive each of the first, second and third predetermined spectral ranges of light, the light detection modules having a plurality of photodetectors and an optical component that conveys light having a predetermined sub-spectral range to the photodetectors. Systems and methods for measuring light emitted by a sample (e.g., in a flow stream) and kits having three or more wavelength separators, a plurality of photodetectors and an optical component are also provided.

Abstract: Systems for detecting light (e.g., in a flow stream) are described. Light detection systems according to certain embodiments include a wavelength separator configured to generate first, second and third predetermined spectral ranges of light from a light source and first, second and third light detection modules configured to receive each of the first, second and third predetermined spectral ranges of light, the light detection modules having a plurality of photodetectors and an optical component that conveys light having a predetermined sub-spectral range to the photodetectors. Systems and methods for measuring light emitted by a sample (e.g., in a flow stream) and kits having three or more wavelength separators, a plurality of photodetectors and an optical component are also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for determining a parameter of a photodetector (e.g., a photodetector in a particle analyzer). Methods according to certain embodiments include irradiating a photodetector positioned in a particle analyzer with a light source (e.g., a continuous wave light source) at a first intensity for a first predetermined time interval, irradiating the photodetector with the light source at a second intensity for a second predetermined time interval, integrating data signals from the photodetector over a period of time that includes the first predetermined interval and the second predetermined interval and determining one or more parameters of the photodetector based on the integrated data signals. Systems (e.g., particle analyzers) having light source and a photodetector for practicing the subject methods are also described.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for determining a parameter of a photodetector (e.g., a photodetector in a particle analyzer). Methods according to certain embodiments include irradiating a photodetector positioned in a particle analyzer with a light source (e.g., a continuous wave light source) at a first intensity for a first predetermined time interval, irradiating the photodetector with the light source at a second intensity for a second predetermined time interval, integrating data signals from the photodetector over a period of time that includes the first predetermined interval and the second predetermined interval and determining one or more parameters of the photodetector based on the integrated data signals. Systems (e.g., particle analyzers) having light source and a photodetector for practicing the subject methods are also described.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for determining a parameter of a photodetector (e.g., a photodetector in a particle analyzer). Methods according to certain embodiments include irradiating a photodetector positioned in a particle analyzer with a light source (e.g., a continuous wave light source) at a first intensity for a first predetermined time interval, irradiating the photodetector with the light source at a second intensity for a second predetermined time interval, integrating data signals from the photodetector over a period of time that includes the first predetermined interval and the second predetermined interval and determining one or more parameters of the photodetector based on the integrated data signals. Systems (e.g., particle analyzers) having light source and a photodetector for practicing the subject methods are also described.

Abstract: Integrated light interrogation modules are provided. In embodiments, the subject integrated light interrogation modules include a flow cell having a light-accessible flow channel for transporting particles in a flow stream, a focusing optical assembly integrated with the flow cell, and a connector for operably attaching a fiber optic light conveyor to the focusing optical assembly, where the focusing optical assembly is projects excitation wavelength light from the fiber optic light conveyor onto a focal spot of the flow cell when the fiber optic light conveyor is operably attached to the connector. In certain embodiments, focusing optical assemblies also include a connector for operably attaching a fiber optic light collection element for collecting fluorescent light emitted by the particles transported through the flow cell. Flow cytometers, methods and kits for practicing the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Flow cytometers including tilted beam shaping optical components are provided. In certain embodiments, the subject flow cytometers include a flow cell, a light source configured to produce a beam for irradiating particles in the flow cell at an interrogation point, and a tilted beam shaping optical component positioned between the light source and the flow cell. In such embodiments, the tilted beam shaping optical component is configured to generate beam ellipticity by creating astigmatism in the beam. In some embodiments, the tilted beam shaping optical component is a lens. In other embodiments, the tilted beam shaping optical component is a concave mirror. Methods of analyzing a sample using a flow cytometer including a tilted beam shaping optical component are also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include systems for irradiating a sample in a flow stream. Systems according to certain embodiments include a light propagator having a first fiber optic operably coupled to a first laser and configured to receive light from the first laser at a proximal end and to convey the laser light from a distal end to a first position on the flow stream and a second fiber optic operably coupled to a second laser and configured to receive light from the second laser at a proximal end and to convey the laser light from a distal end to a second position on the flow stream. Methods for irradiating a sample in a flow stream with the subject systems and detecting light from two or more positions on irradiated flow stream are also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for determining a parameter of a photodetector (e.g., a photodetector in a particle analyzer). Methods according to certain embodiments include irradiating a photodetector positioned in a particle analyzer with a light source (e.g., a continuous wave light source) at a first intensity for a first predetermined time interval, irradiating the photodetector with the light source at a second intensity for a second predetermined time interval, integrating data signals from the photodetector over a period of time that includes the first predetermined interval and the second predetermined interval and determining one or more parameters of the photodetector based on the integrated data signals. Systems (e.g., particle analyzers) having light source and a photodetector for practicing the subject methods are also described.

Abstract: Systems for detecting light (e.g., in a flow stream) are described. Light detection systems according to certain embodiments include a wavelength separator configured to generate first, second and third predetermined spectral ranges of light from a light source and first, second and third light detection modules configured to receive each of the first, second and third predetermined spectral ranges of light, the light detection modules having a plurality of photodetectors and an optical component that conveys light having a predetermined sub-spectral range to the photodetectors. Systems and methods for measuring light emitted by a sample (e.g., in a flow stream) and kits having three or more wavelength separators, a plurality of photodetectors and an optical component are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for sample preparation, processing and analysis. Also provided in the present disclosure is a fully-integrated electrophoresis cartridge which has a small footprint and configured to removably engage with the system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for sample preparation, processing and analysis. Also provided in the present disclosure is a fully-integrated electrophoresis cartridge which has a small footprint and configured to removably engage with the system.

Abstract: In a particle analyzing apparatus including a capillary for passing through a fluid containing particles to be analyzed, an optical system is employed to collect fluorescent light emitted from particles or substances labeled to the particles with improved collection efficiency preserving resolution of the instrument. The optical system may include a first collection lens attached to the capillary and a first reflection element arranged adjacent to the first collection lens configured to reflect fluorescent light of one or more wavelengths. The optical system may include a second collection lens attached to the capillary and a second reflection element arranged adjacent to the second collection lens configured to reflect fluorescent light of one or more wavelengths.

Abstract: In a particle analyzing apparatus including a capillary for passing through a fluid containing particles to be analyzed, an optical system is employed to collect fluorescent light emitted from particles or substances labeled to the particles with improved collection efficiency preserving resolution of the instrument. The optical system may include a first collection lens attached to the capillary and a first reflection element arranged adjacent to the first collection lens configured to reflect fluorescent light of one or more wavelengths. The optical system may include a second collection lens attached to the capillary and a second reflection element arranged adjacent to the second collection lens configured to reflect fluorescent light of one or more wavelengths.

Abstract: In a particle analyzing apparatus including a capillary for passing through a fluid containing particles to be analyzed, an optical system is employed to collect fluorescent light emitted from particles or substances labeled to the particles with improved collection efficiency preserving resolution of the instrument. The optical system may include a first collection lens attached to the capillary and a first reflection element arranged adjacent to the first collection lens configured to reflect fluorescent light of one or more wavelengths. The optical system may include a second collection lens attached to the capillary and a second reflection element arranged adjacent to the second collection lens configured to reflect fluorescent light of one or more wavelengths.

Abstract: In a particle analyzing apparatus including a capillary for passing through a fluid containing particles to be analyzed, an optical system is employed to collect fluorescent light emitted from particles or substances labeled to the particles with improved collection efficiency preserving resolution of the instrument. The optical system may include a first collection lens attached to the capillary and a first reflection element arranged adjacent to the first collection lens configured to reflect fluorescent light of one or more wavelengths. The optical system may include a second collection lens attached to the capillary and a second reflection element arranged adjacent to the second collection lens configured to reflect fluorescent light of one or more wavelengths.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved capillaries that lead to increased resolution in conventional capillary-flow cytometers. The cross-sectional shape of capillaries made according to the present invention lack a center of symmetry. In some embodiments, capillaries have inner side walls that are tilted at angles with respect to the collection-system optical axis so that the widest dimension of the inner bore is closest to the collection optical system and have an outer wall closest to the collection optical system with a dimension large enough to minimize the contribution of outer-wall refraction to the collected light signal. Exemplary capillary embodiments include tubes with a rectangular outer wall and a trapezoidal inner wall, a rectangular outer wall and a triangular inner wall, triangular outer and inner walls, a triangular outer wall with a trapezoidal inner wall, and a hemispherical or rhomboid outer wall and trapezoidal or triangular inner wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved capillaries that lead to increased resolution in conventional capillary-flow cytometers. The cross-sectional shape of capillaries made according to the present invention lack a center of symmetry. In some embodiments, capillaries have inner side walls that are tilted at angles with respect to the collection-system optical axis so that the widest dimension of the inner bore is closest to the collection optical system and have an outer wall closest to the collection optical system with a dimension large enough to minimize the contribution of outer-wall refraction to the collected light signal. Exemplary capillary embodiments include tubes with a rectangular outer wall and a trapezoidal inner wall, a rectangular outer wall and a triangular inner wall, triangular outer and inner walls, a triangular outer wall with a trapezoidal inner wall, and a hemispherical or rhomboid outer wall and trapezoidal or triangular inner wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved capillaries that lead to increased resolution in conventional capillary-flow cytometers. The cross-sectional shape of capillaries made according to the present invention lack a center of symmetry. In some embodiments, capillaries have inner side walls that are tilted at angles with respect to the collection-system optical axis so that the widest dimension of the inner bore is closest to the collection optical system and have an outer wall closest to the collection optical system with a dimension large enough to minimize the contribution of outer-wall refraction to the collected light signal. Exemplary capillary embodiments include tubes with a rectangular outer wall and a trapezoidal inner wall, a rectangular outer wall and a triangular inner wall, triangular outer and inner walls, a triangular outer wall with a trapezoidal inner wall, and a hemispherical or rhomboid outer wall and trapezoidal or triangular inner wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved capillaries that lead to increased resolution in conventional capillary-flow cytometers. The cross-sectional shape of capillaries made according to the present invention lack a center of symmetry. In some embodiments, capillaries have inner side walls that are tilted at angles with respect to the collection-system optical axis so that the widest dimension of the inner bore is closest to the collection optical system and have an outer wall closest to the collection optical system with a dimension large enough to minimize the contribution of outer-wall refraction to the collected light signal. Exemplary capillary embodiments include tubes with a rectangular outer wall and a trapezoidal inner wall, a rectangular outer wall and a triangular inner wall, triangular outer and inner walls, a triangular outer wall with a trapezoidal inner wall, and a hemispherical or rhomboid outer wall and trapezoidal or triangular inner wall.