Abstract: A system for analyzing a cell or tissue sample using polarized light, the system comprising: an apparatus for adjustably changing the polarization state of incident light having at least a first wavelength containing a first polarization state and a second polarization state; a light source arranged to provide the incident light to the apparatus; and a polarimeter, wherein the apparatus is arranged to direct polarized light onto a cell or tissue sample, and the polarimeter is arranged to receive light reflected from the cell or tissue sample, and measure the polarization state of said light.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a cell or tissue sample using polarized light, the system comprising: an apparatus for adjustably changing the polarization state of incident light having at least a first wavelength containing a first polarization state and a second polarization state; a light source arranged to provide the incident light to the apparatus; and a polarimeter, wherein the apparatus is arranged to direct polarized light onto a cell or tissue sample, and the polarimeter is arranged to receive light reflected from the cell or tissue sample, and measure the polarization state of said light.

Abstract: A mixture of dyes each having an optical property (e.g. fluorescence intensity) which is sensitive to an external factor is caused to interact with a system that is to be monitored, such that the system provides the external factor and therefore influences the optical properties of the dyes. The optical properties of the individual dyes are individually measurable (e.g. being spectral intensities at different wavelengths). Their values are subjected to pattern analysis, e.g. using an artificial neural network analysis, leading to an output that characterises the system or its state.