Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and methods for detecting rare cells. The disclosed microfluidic devices and methods integrate and automate sample preparation, cell labeling, cell sorting and enrichment, and DNA/RNA analysis of sorted cells.

Abstract: An illumination system for increasing a light signal from an object passing through a reflection cavity. The reflection cavity is defined by spaced-apart, opposed first and second surfaces disposed on opposite sides of a central volume. Preferably the first reflecting surface forms an acute angle with the second reflecting surface. A beam of light is directed into the reflection cavity so that light is reflected back and forth between the first and second surfaces a plurality of times, illuminating a different portion of the central volume with each pass until, having ranged over the central volume, the light exits the reflection cavity. The “recycling” of the light beam in this manner substantially improves the signal to noise ratio of a detection system used in conjunction with the reflection cavity by increasing an average illumination intensity in the central volume.

Abstract: An illuminiation system for increasing a light signal from an object passing through a reflection cavity. The reflection cavity is disposed between spaced-apart, opposed first and second surfaces disposed on opposite sides of a moving stream of objects. A light collection system is disposed substantially orthogonal to a plane passing through the surfaces and the stream so as to collect light that is scattered from or emitted by the objects as they pass through a field of view disposed between the first and second surfaces. A beam of light from a laser source is directed through the stream of moving objects in a direction nearly orthogonal to the stream (but slightly inclined) and lying in the plane that extends through the surfaces and the stream. Due to the reflection angle and the distance between the stream and the first surface, the point at which the light reflected from the first surface intersects the stream on a second pass is displaced from where it passed though the stream on its initial pass.

Abstract: An illumination system for increasing a light signal from an object passing through a reflection cavity. The reflection cavity is disposed between spaced-apart, opposed first and second surfaces disposed on opposite sides of a moving stream of objects. A light collection system is disposed substantially orthogonal to a plane passing through the surfaces and the stream so as to collect light that is scattered from or emitted by the objects as they pass through a field of view disposed between the first and second surfaces. A beam of light from a laser source is directed through the stream of moving objects in a direction nearly orthogonal to the stream (but slightly inclined) and lying in the plane that extends through the surfaces and the stream. Due to the reflection angle and the distance between the stream and the first surface, the point at which the light reflected from the first surface intersects the stream on a second pass is displaced from where it passed though the stream on its initial pass.

Abstract: A virtual imaging system (10) that allows a user to view a virtual image of an object field is provided. The system includes an imaging subsystem (11) having at least one lens (14). The imaging subsystem is arranged such that its object field (13) is at or near its focal point, thereby positioning the virtual image at or near infinity. In one embodiment, the imaging subsystem further includes an image generator (15) located in the object field. The system further includes an eyebox spreader (16) that is arranged to receive the light transmitted from the imaging subsystem and to redirect the light to a user's eye (2). The eyebox spreader is adapted to effectively increase an eyebox “A” of the imaging subsystem to “B” and thus the size of the virtual image. In one embodiment, the eyebox spreader is formed of a Fresnel surface that defines an array of parallel, optically flat facets thereon.

Abstract: An illumination system for increasing a light signal from an object passing through a reflection cavity. The reflection cavity is disposed between spaced-apart, opposed first and second surfaces disposed on opposite sides of a moving stream of objects. A light collection system is disposed substantially orthogonal to a plane passing through the surfaces and the stream so as to collect light that is scattered from or emitted by the objects as they pass through a field of view disposed between the first and second surfaces. A beam of light from a laser source is directed through the stream of moving objects in a direction nearly orthogonal to the stream (but slightly inclined) and lying in the plane that extends through the surfaces and the stream. Due to the reflection angle and the distance between the stream and the first surface, the point at which the light reflected from the first surface intersects the stream on a second pass is displaced from where it passed though the stream on its initial pass.

Abstract: An illumination system for increasing a light signal from an object passing through a reflection cavity. The reflection cavity is disposed between spaced-apart, opposed first and second surfaces disposed on opposite sides of a moving stream of objects. A light collection system is disposed substantially orthogonal to a plane passing through the surfaces and the stream so as to collect light that is scattered from or emitted by the objects as they pass through a field of view disposed between the first and second surfaces. A beam of light from a laser source is directed through the stream of moving objects in a direction nearly orthogonal to the stream (but slightly inclined) and lying in the plane that extends through the surfaces and the stream. Due to the reflection angle and the distance between the stream and the first surface, the point at which the light reflected from the first surface intersects the stream on a second pass is displaced from where it passed though the stream on its initial pass.