Abstract: A substrate-like particle sensor includes a substrate-like base portion and an electronics enclosure disposed on the substrate-like base portion. A power source is located within the electronics enclosure. A controller is operably coupled to the power source. A particle sensor is operably coupled to the controller and provides an indication to the controller of at least one particle present near the particle sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a light source configured to emit an electromagnetic wave; a spatial light modulator configured to modulate a wavefront of the electromagnetic wave to irradiate a sample; a plate with an aperture; a lens unit configured to set a focal point in the sample; a detector configured to detect light coming from the focal point of the sample through the aperture; and a controller configured to control the spatial light modulator based on the detected light by the detector.

Abstract: Devices for detecting particle sizes and distributions using focused light scattering techniques, by passing a sample through a focused beam of light, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the devices include one or more lasers, whose light is focused into a narrow beam and into a flow cell, and dispersions are passed through the flow cell using hydrodynamic sample injection. In another embodiment, a plurality of lasers is used, optionally with hydrodynamic sample injection. Particles pass through and scatter the light. The scattered light is then detected using scatter and extinction detectors, and, optionally, fluorescence detectors, and the number and size of the particles is determined. Particles in the size range of 0.1 to 10 ?m can be measured. Using the device, significantly smaller particles can be detected than if techniques such as EQELS, flow cytometry, and other conventional devices for measuring biological particles.

Abstract: A fine particle analyzing apparatus includes a light irradiation unit configured to irradiate a fine particle that flows in a flow path with a laser beam, and a detection unit configured to detect light emitted from the fine particle that is irradiated with the laser beam. In the fine particle analyzing apparatus, the light irradiation unit includes at least a light source that is composed of a semiconductor laser, an optical fiber that converts a beam pattern of the laser beam generated from the light source into a top-hat type beam pattern, and a light source driving control unit configured to supply driving current, which is obtained by superimposing high-frequency current on direct current, to the light source.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a turbidimeter having a simple and sturdy structure which is hard to break and exhibits excellent long-term stability by reducing a number of sealing positions, wherein a cylindrical sensor head forming a measurement space is formed of an optically-transparent material. A side wall of the sensor head has accommodating spaces for accommodating a light source, transmitted light detector, and scattered light detector. An inner surface of the side wall of the sensor head is configured to serve as: an optical window for guiding inspection light to the measurement space; an optical window for guiding transmitted light to the transmitted light detector; and an optical window for guiding scattered light to the scattered light detector.

Abstract: A method for creating a replication material corresponding to the appearance of a translucent or partially translucent target material. The appearance of the target material can be measured or may be prescribed by a user. The method includes receiving by a processor optical data related to a target subsurface scattering parameter of the target material. Once the processor has received the optical or light characteristic data, the method includes determining by the processor a replication pigment concentration to replicate the appearance of the target material caused by the target subsurface scattering parameter. The processor determines this concentration based on a plurality of pigment subsurface scattering parameters corresponding to a plurality of stored pigment concentrations in the computing device. Once the replication pigment concentration has been determined, the method includes creating, physically or virtually, the replication material by combining the pigment concentration with a base material.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a particle in a sample stream of a flow cytometer or the like. The system has a light source, such as a laser pointer module, for generating a low powered light beam and a fluidics apparatus which is configured to transport particles in the sample stream at substantially low velocity through the light beam for interrogation. Detectors, such as photomultiplier tubes, are configured to detect optical signals generated in response to the light beam impinging the particles. Signal conditioning circuitry is connected to each of the detectors to condition each detector output into electronic signals for processing and is designed to have a limited frequency response to filter high frequency noise from the detector output signals.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a flow cytometer includes a flow cell defining a sheath flow encompassing a dyed biological particle, a first optical source irradiating first light onto the flow cell, a second optical source irradiating second light onto the flow cell downstream where the first light is irradiated, a first optical detector detecting scattered light or fluorescence from the biological particle to output a first electrical signal corresponding thereto, a plurality of second optical detectors arranged along the flow cell, each of the second optical detectors detecting fluorescence from the biological particle to output a second electrical signal corresponding thereto, and a signal processor summing the second electrical signals output from the plurality of the second optical detectors in a plurality of time windows estimated based upon when the first optical detector detects the scattered light or the fluorescence, thereby to increase the second electrical signals of the fluorescence from the biolog

Abstract: A standard media suspension body (150) for verification and calibration of an optical particulate measurement instrument and configured to be at least partially immersed in a sample fluid is provided according to the invention. The body (150) includes a substantially solid outer surface including a first end (151) and a second end (152) disposed along an axis of illumination A and at least one outer surface (153). The first end (151) is configured to admit impinging light. The suspension body further includes an inner volume. At least a portion of the inner volume includes a substantially suspended light scattering material (155) that is configured to scatter a predetermined quantum of the admitted light. The suspension body (150) further includes an end cap (156) formed on the second end (152) and comprising a light absorbing material. Light exiting the second end (152) is substantially absorbed by the end cap (156).

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the light scattering properties of a sample in a liquid medium, wherein the liquid medium with the sample is illuminated by a laser beam in a measuring cell transversely to the direction of filling the liquid medium in the measuring cell or transversely to the flow direction of the liquid medium within the measuring cell, comprising a laser, a cylindrical measuring cell, a first inner aperture system, a second outer aperture system and at least two detectors, wherein the detectors are arranged outside of the second outer aperture system so that they collect the light scattered on the sample within set, different angle ranges, wherein the first inner aperture system and the second outer aperture system are formed and arranged circularly and concentrically around the axis of the measuring cell. Use of the apparatus and a method that makes use of the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A smoke detector (1) includes: a light emitting section (6); a light receiving section (7); a smoke detecting section (12), the smoke detector (1) being configured to detect smoke or the like in a manner that the light receiving section (7) receives, via a light transmissive member (11), scattered light generated when light emitted from the light emitting section (6) is scattered in the smoke detecting section (12) due to particles of the smoke or the like; and a test light source (22) provided for detecting light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving section. The smoke detector (1) is further configured to detect a reduction in the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving section (7) through detection of an increase in received light intensity of test light, which is emitted from the test light source (22) and is received by the light receiving section (7).

Abstract: A device and method for manufacturing an integrated smoke cell are presented. The smoke cell includes an integral housing with a ceiling portion and a smoke permeable wall forming a chamber when mounted on a printed circuit board. An emitter and detector are mounted above apertures in the chamber ceiling so the emitter and detector are mounted substantially outside the chamber while detecting smoke present within the chamber without blocking ingress of smoke through the chamber wall.

Abstract: A system for analyzing the pore size of a substrate or device containing substrates adapted to separate fluids and has at least two surfaces, a first and a second surface, which are isolated from, one another and wherein the substrate or devices containing the substrates have an exit for fluids passing through the substrate, comprising: a) a particle generator (15) capable of generating particles of a controlled size; b) a system (18) for creating a pressure differential between the first and the second surface of the substrate; c) a light source (24) spaced front the exit of the substrate or device containing the substrate adapted for illuminating particles exiting the exit of the substrate or device containing the substrate; d) a closed flow path from the particle generator to the first surface of the substrate; e) a substrate or device holder (11) adapted for holding the substrate or device in the proper location in the system; and f) one or more reference images.

Abstract: An optical detection device is provided for analyzing analytes in a liquid suspension or solution that can detect and process a large number of wavelengths of incident and fluorescent light simultaneously, which is small in size and can be easily adapted to different investigation requirements. The optical detection device may include a light supplying device, an analyte handling device, a light directing device, and a detector integrated on planar substrate devices, respectively. A plurality of optical waveguides are integrated in the substrate devices to direct light emitted by the light supplying device through the different sections of the optical detector to the detector. The analyte handling device may include an analyte channel for the liquid flow of the analyte suspension or solution and an analyte sorting device comprising several sorting channels.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field characterization of particles in a sample solution. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a flow cell and a method for characterizing particles by means of collected non-Gaussian temporal signals. The present flow cell and method rely on an excitation fiber with a channel. The excitation fiber has a core for transporting an excitation light generated by a light source, and defines a channel through a portion of its core. The channel of the excitation fiber directs a flow of the sample solution. The excitation fiber, the channel and collection fibers characteristics are selected, proportioned and positioned to generate collected light with a non-Gaussian temporal intensity profile.

Abstract: Device and process to approximate somatic cell count (SCC) of untreated mammalian milk by the two variable equation SCC=f (FSL, FAT) with a forward scattered light factor (FSL) being obtained by detecting light scattered by the milk into an angular range within, and less than, the angular range 0.0 to 0.5 degrees away from the central axis of incident light, with a proxy (FAT) for the fat content of the milk, which may be obtained by detecting light attenuation of the milk sample, and with the function (f) being obtained by calibration of the device using reference milk samples.

Abstract: A localized dynamic light scattering measurement system includes a beam displacer for splitting an incident beam having two orthogonal linearly polarized beam components with slightly different frequencies into two orthogonal linearly polarized output beams focused onto an object to be measured. The beam displacer cooperates with an iris to collect and recombine scattering beams each reversely backscattered at 180 degrees from the object so as to form a signal beam, which is polarized by a polarizer to produce two polarization components, thereby generating a heterodyne interference signal associated with the polarization components. A signal processing unit obtains measurement data on the object based on power spectrum or autocorrelation data corresponding to the heterodyne interference signal.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an annular optical device (100), comprising: an annular meso-optic (1) including an annulus (11) centered about an axis of revolution (A); and a secondary optical structure (2) substantially coaxial within the annulus (11) of the annular meso-optic (1), wherein the secondary optical structure (2) and the annular meso-optic (1) are separated by a media (12) comprising a media refractive index that is lower than a secondary optical structure refractive index, with the secondary optical structure (2) being configured to hold a specimen to be radiated by impinging electromagnetic radiation directed into the secondary optical structure (2) substantially along the axis of revolution (A), wherein re-directed radiation from the specimen is allowed into the annular meso-optic (1) by the secondary optical structure (2) if an angle of incidence of the re-directed radiation exceeds the angle of Total Internal Reflectance. Other embodiments are descried and claimed.

Abstract: A particle detector includes a light source, and a metal layer having an incident/reflective surface and a photoelectric surface opposing the incident/reflective surface. Incident light from the light source reaches the incident/reflective surface to excite near-field surface plasmon resonance photons at the photoelectric surface. A particle deposited on the photoelectric surface of the metal layer changes the near-field surface plasmon resonance photons to far-field scattered light. The particle detector further includes a scattered light detecting unit, provided above the photoelectric surface of the metal layer, for detecting the far-field scattered light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for irradiating a scattering medium with increased resolution. The method includes transmitting EM radiation from an Electromagnetic (EM) radiation source to a target inside a scattering medium, wherein the target encodes the EM radiation with a variance structure to form encoded EM radiation; measuring, in a detector, transmitted EM radiation comprising at least a portion of the encoded EM radiation transmitted through and exiting the scattering medium; decoding the transmitted EM radiation, comprising EM fields, in a computer, comprising selecting one or more of the EM fields having the variance structure; and irradiating the scattering medium with time reversed EM radiation from a spatial light modulator (SLM), the time reversed EM radiation generated from time reversing the EM fields having the variance structure, thereby forming a focus of the time reversed EM radiation in the scattering medium with the increased resolution.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] To provide a scattered light-type smoke detection apparatus in which internally scattered light in a smoke detection space can be suppressed to improve the S/N ratio.

Abstract: A particle analyzing and/or sorting apparatus and the associated methods. One aspect of the described embodiments relates to an analyzer, or a sorter, having acquisition and sort electronics in the form of a field programmable gate array for processing detected signals. Another aspect relates to a droplet based approach of analyzing and sorting particles and may further include a dynamic element, such a dynamic drop delay. In still another broad aspect, an apparatus and method for dynamically varying other sorting parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for determining the static and/or dynamic scattering of light. In the method, a plurality of different zones within a sample vessel (6) is illuminated during various time periods, wherein light is scattered on the sample. The scattered light is detected by means of a plurality of detectors (11, 12, 13, 14), wherein during the implementation of the method each detector captures scattered light from a plurality of different zones, and during a time period each detector detects scattered light from one zone and generates a signal. Said signals are transmitted to an electronic evaluation unit and are processed by said unit, wherein in each case those signals which are generated by the same detector and result from the detection of scattered light from the same zone are processed together.

Abstract: A particle detection unit including a detection chamber and a duct detector is disclosed. The duct detector is disposed within the detection chamber. The duct detector has a rod with a first and a second end where the first end is distal the second end. A reflector may be attached to the rod adjacent the first end. A sensor and emitter device may be attached to the rod and spaced apart from the reflector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining characteristics of particles, by measuring characteristics which are related to the velocity of the particles. Particle size distribution is determined from motion of the particles in an acceleration field, or from Brownian motion of the particles. Zeta potential and particle mobility are determined by measuring velocity related characteristics of charged particles in an electric field. Particle velocity characteristics are determined by measuring dynamic properties of light, which is scattered by the particles. A light source illuminates the particles. Scattered light, from the particles, is mixed with light, from the light source, onto at least one light detector. The detector produces a signal, which is indicative of velocity related characteristics of the particles. The velocity characteristics are also determined by measuring light scattered from particles moving through an illumination pattern, with a periodic intensity structure.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed herein is an apparatus and method for measuring hexavalent chromium in water samples using a colorimetric method. The apparatus includes a means for correcting interference due to sample turbidity.

Abstract: A method of completing a hydrocarbon lateral well in a target shale formation. The method uses a data log generated from an optical flow cell assembly to identify areas in the lateral well of high free gas porosity. By evaluating such data, an operator can group “like” rock, determine stage length and variation in stage length, and determine perforation cluster spacing and location. The flow cell assembly can also be used in a completion program to assist in the steering of a lateral well being drilled below the target formation.

Abstract: A method for detecting decalibration of a device for analyzing particles, including irradiating particles with light, detecting light scattered from the particles, amplifying, digitizing and detecting the electric signal obtained in a plurality of digital channels corresponding to the intensity representing the particle size and monitoring the appearance of the Mie peak in the measured size-dependent frequency distribution and sending a report if the Mie peak deviates in a digital channel other than the digital standard channel belonging to it based on measurement settings. The electronic analyzing unit detecting a Mie peak in the measured particle size distribution and assigning it to a digital detection channel in a device for detecting the concentration of small particles in gas, with a sample tube, a light source, a detector detecting scattered light scattered on the particles, an analog amplifier, an analog-digital converter, an electronic analyzing unit and a display and operating unit.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a detector, a pressure sensor and a processor. The detector is operable to detect light that is scattered by an aerosol that is associated with a pressure. The pressure sensor is operable to measure the pressure. The processor is coupled to the detector and to the pressure sensor, and is configured to receive at least a signal from the detector and the pressure sensor. The processor is further configured to use the received signals to calculate a volume of the first aerosol, and to output an output signal associated with the calculated volume. The various measurements can be repeated and compared, and the output signal can be a feedback signal for metering subsequent amounts of the aerosol, based on the comparison.

Abstract: A fine particle detector includes a light emitting system letting light from a light source pass through a phase difference element and focusing the light on a sample flow through which fine particles flow. When the direction of the sample flow is an X-axis direction, the light is emitted to the sample flow in a Z-direction, and a ZX-plane is orthogonal to a Y-direction, then the phase difference element has a plurality of regions divided in the Y-axis direction and causes a phase difference between wavefronts of the light passing through the plurality of regions.

Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus including a light irradiation portion configured to irradiate light onto a sample flowing through a flow path in a detachable chip; a light detection portion configured to detect optical information emitted from the sample when irradiated with the light by the light irradiation portion; and a judgment portion configured to judge an exchange period of the chip based on the optical information detected by the light detection portion.

Abstract: There is provided a microparticle analysis apparatus including a light detection unit configured to detect forward-scattered light generated from a microparticle that is an analysis target. The light detection unit includes a circuit having a high-pass filter that removes low frequency noise included in light entering the light detection unit and switches to the high-pass filter according to a predetermined frequency of the forward-scattered light.

Abstract: Components suitable for use in an evaporative light scattering detector and other devices are disclosed. Methods of making and using components suitable for use in an evaporative light scattering detector and other devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a method of measuring a diffusion characteristic value (for example, a diffusion constant) of a light-emitting particle using the scanning molecule counting method using the optical measurement with a confocal microscope or a multiphoton microscope. The inventive method of measuring a diffusion characteristic value of a light-emitting particle is characterized to measure light intensity from the light detection region with moving the position of the light detection region in the sample solution by changing an optical path of the optical system to generate light intensity data and to compute a diffusion characteristic value of the light-emitting particle based on a deviation time from a moving cycle time of the light detection region in an interval of generation times of two or more signals corresponding to a same light-emitting particle on the light intensity data.

Abstract: A nozzle tip formed from a cylindrical body defining a longitudinal axis and a frustoconical body adjoining the cylindrical body on the longitudinal axis. The cylindrical body may be in fluid communication with the frustoconical body. The frustoconical body may end in a flat surface with a nozzle exit orifice which is transverse to the longitudinal axis. There may be a cutout at the edge of the frustoconical body and the flat surface. The flow cytometer system may also include a source of electromagnetic radiation for producing a beam incident upon the fluid stream and the particles and a detector for detecting light emitted or reflected from the particles within the fluid stream in response to the beam.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a method of measuring characteristics of particles in a liquid sample is disclosed. The method includes suspending the liquid sample in a tube. The suspended liquid sample is illuminated along an illumination axis, and at least a portion of the light is detected along a first detection axis after it is scattered by the particles in the suspended liquid sample. The illumination axis and the detection axis are oriented at an angle with respect to each other.

Abstract: An annular optical device (100) includes an annular meso-optic (1) including an annulus (11) centered about an axis of revolution (A) and a secondary optical structure (2) substantially coaxial within the annulus (11). The secondary optical structure (2) and the annular meso-optic (1) are separated by a media (12) including a media refractive index that is lower than the refractive index of the secondary optical structure. The secondary optical structure (2) holds a specimen to be radiated by impinging electromagnetic radiation. Scattered radiation from the secondary optical structure (2) and within the annulus (11) of the annular meso-optic (1) is allowed into the annular meso-optic (1) if an angle of incidence of the scattered radiation exceeds a predetermined incidence threshold. The annular meso-optic (1) re-directs the scattered radiation to comprise re-directed radiation that is substantially parallel to the axis of revolution (A).

Abstract: A device and process for determining sizes of particles of a particle stream. A first optical measuring system with a first dot matrix sensor and a lighting device, which transilluminates the measuring volume are provided. The first dot matrix sensor and the lighting device form a transmitted-light arrangement. The computing device determines projection areas of particles within the transilluminated measuring volume from the image data of the first dot matrix sensor. The optical measuring arrangement includes a second optical measuring system with a second dot matrix sensor for detecting the diffraction pattern of the particles. The computing device determines a size distribution of the particles in the measuring volume based on the projection areas and the diffraction pattern. The computing device forms the size distribution from particle sizes determined on the basis of the projection areas and from particle sizes determined on the basis of the diffraction pattern.

Abstract: An aperture member (15) is configured to be mounted to a receiving portion (22) provided to a main body (2), and includes a lower surface portion (15a) formed into an arc shape. The receiving portion (22) of the main body (2) includes a bottom surface portion (22a) formed into a shape corresponding to the arc shape of the lower surface portion (15a) of the aperture member (15) so as to be brought into contact with the lower surface portion (15a) of the aperture member (15). The aperture member (15) includes a light passage opening (15e) formed so that a center position (15ea) thereof substantially matches with a position of a center of curvature of the arc shape of the lower surface portion (15a).

Abstract: The present invention can detect smoke with high accuracy. A light emitting portion is provided with a light emitting element outputting the inspection light with high brightness, the distribution of which is adjusted. A reflection portion collects the inspection light from the light emitting element to the detection region. A diaphragm portion transmits the collected light toward the detection region, while removing light diffused to regions other than the detection region a light shielding portion shields the light diffused to the regions other than the detection region. The light emitting element is provided with a light source outputting the inspection light with high brightness and a parabolic reflective mirror whose curved surface reflects light from the light source toward the detection region, the reflected light being in a doughnut shape in which the center is relatively dark and the periphery is bright.

Abstract: Although a more accurate estimate of a person's risk of cardiovascular disease can be made on the basis of the number of lipoprotein particles per unit volume in the person's blood, current methods all rely on measuring the mass of lipoprotein cholesterol per unit volume. It has been discovered that a rapid and accurate lipoprotein particle count can be obtained by photometry. A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the number of lipoprotein particles in a sample using photometry.

Abstract: An EUV lithography apparatus (1) includes: a light source (15) for generating radiation (17) for the illumination of particles (P) present in the gas phase and present in the EUV lithography apparatus (1) along a light area (18), and a detector, for detecting radiation (17a) from the light source (15) that is scattered at the illuminated particles (P) in a test region (19) captured by the detector. Also, a method for detecting particles (P) in an EUV lithography apparatus (1) includes: producing a light area (18) for illuminating the particles (P) present in the gas phase, detecting radiation (17a) scattered at the illuminated particles (P) in a test region (19), and determining a number (N) of particles in the test region (19) on the basis of the detected radiation (17a).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to bioassays, as well as related devices and methods for detecting targets. The targets may be molecules and/or biological products that a user is interested in analyzing to determine information such as their presence and/or concentration in a sample.

Abstract: The invention provides use of one or more emitted beams of radiation (16), for example, laser beam(s), in combination with an image capturing means (14), for example, one or more video cameras and/or optical elements to detect particles (30), for example, smoke particles, located in an open space (12).

Abstract: Devices and methods for screening emissive properties of a cell, such as the resistance to photobleaching or other photophysical property. In one example, a device may include a microfluidic reservoir having at least an input channel for receiving the cell, a main channel fluidly coupled with the input channel, at least a first output channel and a second output channel, the first and second output channels fluidly coupled with the main channel; and a multibeam interrogation section generating a plurality of light beams impinging upon the main channel of the microfluidic reservoir. As a cell passes from the input channel through the main channel of the microfluidic reservoir, the cell is exposed to the plurality of light beams thereby generating emissions that are received by a signal processing section. A cell trapping section selectively diverts the cell to the second output channel if the cell contains desired emissive properties.

Abstract: An optical particle detecting device including a light source that emits an inspection light, a converting unit that converts the inspection light into collimated light, a focusing reflecting mirror that reflects toward a focal point the inspection light that has been converted into collimated light, a jet mechanism that causes an airstream including a particle to jet into the focal point of the focusing reflecting mirror, and a detecting portion that detects either scattered light or fluorescence produced by the particle included in the airstream being illuminated by the inspection light.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a method of measuring characteristics of particles in a liquid sample disclosed. The method includes supporting the liquid sample by surface tension and illuminating the supported liquid sample along an illumination axis with spatially coherent light so as to cause the coherent light to be scattered across a scattering zone. At least a portion of the scattered light is detected along a first predetermined scattering detection axis after it is scattered by the particles in the supported liquid sample. The illumination axis and the detection axis are oriented at an angle with respect to each other that allows substantially all of the light scattered at that angle across the scattering zone to be detected.

Abstract: A measuring unit for measuring a particulate concentration in exhaust gases using scattered light includes a measuring chamber, at least one light source and at least one light sensor, the measuring chamber being situated in the optical path of the light source; and the light sensor records the light scattered by the particulates in the measuring chamber. To detect the intensity of light beam that is relevant for a precise particulate measurement, a monitoring device is provided to detect the intensity of the light beam with the aid of a scattered radiation. The intensity of the light beam is recorded using a monitoring measurement, by ascertaining a scattered radiation and comparing it to a specified reference value for the scattered radiation. With the aid of the comparison, the intensity of the light source is regulated correspondingly and/or the measuring result of the particulate measurement is correspondingly corrected.

Abstract: Various optical apparatus, in particular embodiments, may provide a source of parallel light (7, 75). The parallel light (7, 75) may be generally achieved by directing an incident beam at the apex of a prism (1, 22, 24, 26, 28). The prism may have varying configurations. One configuration has a forward conical face (24). Another configuration has a pyramidal forward end (22). Other configurations are also disclosed. Various optical methods and methods for flow cytometry are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a particle in a sample stream of a flow cytometer or the like. The system has a light source, such as a laser pointer module, for generating a low powered light beam and a fluidics apparatus which is configured to transport particles in the sample stream at substantially low velocity through the light beam for interrogation. Detectors, such as photomultiplier tubes, are configured to detect optical signals generated in response to the light beam impinging the particles. Signal conditioning circuitry is connected to each of the detectors to condition each detector output into electronic signals for processing and is designed to have a limited frequency response to filter high frequency noise from the detector output signals.