Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward low-coherence interferometry imaging systems comprising a common-path interferometer that is at least partially integrated as part of a planar lightwave circuit is disclosed. Imaging systems in accordance with the present disclosure are implemented in integrated optics without the inclusion of highly wavelength-sensitive components. As a result, they exhibit less wavelength dependence than PLC-based interferometers of the prior art. Further, common-path interferometer arrangements in accordance with the present disclosure avoid polarization and wavelength dispersion effects that plague prior-art PLC-based interferometers. Still further, an integrated common-path interferometer is smaller and less complex than other integrated interferometers, which makes it possible to integrate multiple interferometers on a single chip, thereby enabling multi-signal systems, such as plane-wave parallel OCT systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward low-coherence interferometry imaging systems comprising a common-path interferometer that is at least partially integrated as part of a planar lightwave circuit is disclosed. Imaging systems in accordance with the present disclosure are implemented in integrated optics without the inclusion of highly wavelength-sensitive components. As a result, they exhibit less wavelength dependence than PLC-based interferometers of the prior art. Further, common-path interferometer arrangements in accordance with the present disclosure avoid polarization and wavelength dispersion effects that plague prior-art PLC-based interferometers. Still further, an integrated common-path interferometer is smaller and less complex than other integrated interferometers, which makes it possible to integrate multiple interferometers on a single chip, thereby enabling multi-signal systems, such as plane-wave parallel OCT systems.

Abstract: A low coherence interferometry imaging system comprising a common-path interferometer that is at least partially integrated as part of a planar lightwave circuit is disclosed. Imaging systems in accordance with the present invention are implemented in integrated optics without the inclusion of highly wavelength-sensitive components. As a result, they exhibit less wavelength dependence than PLC-based interferometers of the prior art. Further, the common-path interferometer arrangement of the present invention avoids polarization and wavelength dispersion effects that plague prior-art PLC-based interferometers. Still further, an integrated common-path interferometer is smaller and less complex than other integrated interferometers, which makes it possible to integrate multiple interferometers on a single chip, thereby enabling multi-signal systems, such as plane-wave parallel OCT systems.

Abstract: A low coherence interferometry imaging system comprising a common-path interferometer that is at least partially integrated as part of a planar lightwave circuit is disclosed. Imaging systems in accordance with the present invention are implemented in integrated optics without the inclusion of highly wavelength-sensitive components. As a result, they exhibit less wavelength dependence than PLC-based interferometers of the prior art. Further, the common-path interferometer arrangement of the present invention avoids polarization and wavelength dispersion effects that plague prior-art PLC-based interferometers. Still further, an integrated common-path interferometer is smaller and less complex than other integrated interferometers, which makes it possible to integrate multiple interferometers on a single chip, thereby enabling multi-signal systems, such as plane-wave parallel OCT systems.

Abstract: A sample of blood containing CTCs, or other cells of interest, is stained with fluorescent markers for image analysis and scanned to identify the presence and location within the cartridge of target cells or subcellular elements. A sample containing desired target cells or subcellular elements is then further processed, in part by photobleaching the sample, so that those same targets may be re-analyzed with additional biomarkers conjugated to the same or different fluorochromes using the same imaging criteria that were used for the initial analysis. The present invention has applications with targets such as circulating epithelial, cells, circulating tumor cells, circulating endothelial cells, leukocytes, lymphocyte subsets, cells containing an organelle or receptor of interest, cellular debris, disrupted cells and their debris, or any other formed element that might be captured and imaged.

Abstract: A sample of blood containing CTCs, or other cells of interest, is stained with fluorescent markers for image analysis and scanned to identify the presence and location within the cartridge of target cells or subcellular elements. A sample containing desired target cells or subcellular elements is then further processed, in part by photobleaching the sample, so that those same targets may be re-analyzed with additional biomarkers conjugated to the same or different fluorochromes using the same imaging criteria that were used for the initial analysis. The present invention has applications with targets such as circulating epithelial, cells, circulating tumor cells, circulating endothelial cells, leukocytes, lymphocyte subsets, cells containing an organelle or receptor of interest, cellular debris, disrupted cells and their debris, or any other formed element that might be captured and imaged.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for imaging circulating tumor cells from blood after enrichment. The system is designed to provide optimum use in a clinical laboratory setting with minimum laboratory bench top space. Operator intervention is minimized compared to other analytical methodologies. The system is useful in the enumeration and identification of target cells in a sample specimen for screening and detection of early stage pre-metastatic cancer, monitoring for disease remission in response to therapy and selection of more effective dose regimens or alternative therapies for individual patients.

Abstract: The enumeration of cells in fluids by flow cytometry is widely used across many disciplines such as assessment of leukocyte subsets in different bodily fluids or of bacterial contamination in environmental samples, food products and bodily fluids. For many applications the cost, size and complexity of the instruments prevents wider use, for example, CD4 analysis in HIV monitoring in resource-poor countries. The novel device, methods and algorithms disclosed herein largely overcome these limitations. Briefly, all cells in a biological sample are fluorescently labeled, but only the target cells are also magnetically labeled. In addition, non-magnetically labeled cells are imaged for viability in a modified slide configuration. The labeled sample, in a chamber or cuvet, is placed between two wedge-shaped magnets to selectively move the magnetically labeled cells to the observation surface of the cuvet.