Abstract: The present invention is directed toward the early detection of harmful algal blooms. The system employs the ability of whole cell non-contact micro Raman spectroscopy to detect cell pigmentation in such a way that distinct patterns or fingerprints can be assembled. Light field microscopy will provide a fundamentally innovative increase in image and sample volume. Furthermore, darkfield microscopy is employed to capture high-resolution, color images of the detected plankton to increase the accuracy of species identification and classification. Together, this new instrument will provide a powerful yet elegantly simple solution to detection of HAB cells and characterization of environmental conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward the early detection of harmful algal blooms. The system employs the ability of whole cell non-contact micro Raman spectroscopy to detect cell pigmentation in such a way that distinct patterns or fingerprints can be assembled. Light field microscopy will provide a fundamentally innovative increase in image and sample volume. Furthermore, darkfield microscopy is employed to capture high-resolution, color images of the detected plankton to increase the accuracy of species identification and classification. Together, this new instrument will provide a powerful yet elegantly simple solution to detection of HAB cells and characterization of environmental conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward the early detection of harmful algal blooms. The system employs the ability of whole cell non-contact micro Raman spectroscopy to detect cell pigmentation in such a way that distinct patterns or fingerprints can be assembled. Light field microscopy will provide a fundamentally innovative increase in image and sample volume. Furthermore, darkfield microscopy is employed to capture high-resolution, color images of the detected plankton to increase the accuracy of species identification and classification. Together, this new instrument will provide a powerful yet elegantly simple solution to detection of HAB cells and characterization of environmental conditions.

Abstract: The innovative systems and methods described herein use a high-resolution imaging microscope for capturing images of marine microorganisms and particles in situ in an aquatic environment. Using darkfield illumination, high-resolution images may be obtained, capturing features of the microorganism or particle as small as 10 ?m in remarkable clarity. Utilizing an open flow-through approach in sample imaging, the delicate structures of the plankton and particles may be imaged completely intact without damage and in their natural orientation. The images can be classified at high accuracy based on physiological and morphological information captured in the image including features as fine as 1 ?m. The disclosed classification method utilizes adaptable training sets of taxonomic categories and a novel method of discerning in-focus targets, providing a highly accurate identification system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward the early detection of harmful algal blooms. The system employs the ability of whole cell non-contact micro Raman spectroscopy to detect cell pigmentation in such a way that distinct patterns or fingerprints can be assembled. Light field microscopy will provide a fundamentally innovative increase in image and sample volume. Furthermore, darkfield microscopy is employed to capture high-resolution, color images of the detected plankton to increase the accuracy of species identification and classification. Together, this new instrument will provide a powerful yet elegantly simple solution to detection of HAB cells and characterization of environmental conditions.

Abstract: The innovative systems and methods described herein use a high-resolution imaging microscope for capturing images of marine microorganisms and particles in situ in an aquatic environment. Using darkfield illumination, high-resolution images may be obtained, capturing features of the microorganism or particle as small as 10 ?m in remarkable clarity. Utilizing an open flow-through approach in sample imaging, the delicate structures of the plankton and particles may be imaged completely intact without damage and in their natural orientation. The images can be classified at high accuracy based on physiological and morphological in-formation captured in the image including features as fine as 1 ?m. The disclosed classification method utilizes adaptable training sets of taxonomic categories and a novel method of discerning in-focus targets, providing a highly accurate identification system.