Coulter Electronics, Inc.

Albert Brunsting

Walter R Hogg

William A Newton

In an apparatus in which particles which may include biological cells are passed through an optical sensing zone to measure their spatial radiant energy distribution for the purpose of identifying and/or characterizing the particles or cells, a structure and method are provided for increasing the usefulness of a geometric configuration of photovoltaic detectors such as a known assembly of generally concentric rings of such detectors usually including some wedge-shaped detectors. These are provided in a generally planar form and the invention provides structure which captures radiant energy in a flow cell of a particular type before projecting the energy to the detector. In particular an ellipsoid, paraboloid, hyperboloid or similar reflector which is symmetrical about its optical axis is utilized first to capture the radiant energy on angles which could include most forward and/or backward angles and all azimuthal angles and then deviating the same to the detector assembly mentioned. By moving the arrangement or assembly of detectors along the optical axis of the reflector the optimum distance is established for obtaining the greatest amount of information sought. Although the assembly of photovoltaic detectors may thereafter be left in place, it is preferred to substitute for said assembly a second highly economical deviating or reflecting device capable of capturing the radiant energy which would otherwise have fallen on the sensitive plane of the assembly of photovoltaic detectors and deviating the same along a plurality of different spaced paths to independent photodetecting devices.

Radiant energy reradiating flow cell system and method

In an apparatus in which particles are passed through an optical sensing zone to measure their radiant energy distribution such as, for example, light scattering characteristics for the purpose of identifying the particles, means and a method are provided for deviating the collected light in accordance with predetermined different paths to a plurality of different photodetecting devices. The deviation is effected independently of collection by optical radiant energy transmitting or reflecting means. The different photodetecting devices enable the measurement of energy directed along the particular path which is identified with that device. The paths are established by the deviating means rather than permitted to evolve by the scattering phenomena themselves whereby the photodetecting devices can be located in convenient arrangements and may be conventional in construction. Different forms of the invention combine optical reflection or refraction for collecting the scattered radiant energy with optical reflection or refraction for deviation to achieve different advantages and results.

Apparatus and method for measuring the distribution of radiant energy

A particle analyzing apparatus comprising a reflector chamber containing an electrolyte and having a concave reflector surface with a first focus and a second focus; entraining structure, having an introduction tube for providing and moving a stream of particles suspended in an electrolyte solution through the first focus; a source of radiant energy for illuminating the particles as they pass through the first focus to produce a source of detectable radiation signals, which reflect off the concave reflector surface to be subsequently collected and analyzed; an exit tube coaxially aligned with the introduction tube; a sensing orifice mounted in the tip of the introduction tube or the exit tube; and a pair of energized electrodes disposed in the electrolyte solution on either side of the orifice, whereby the orifice creates a constricted electrical path in which the stream of particles generate electrical impedance signals as they move therethrough.

Reflector optics with impedance sensing orifice

An improved illuminating system for redistributing incident radiation, having a non-uniform intensity distribution, to resultant radiation, having a narrower desired intensity distribution in a predetermined region of an output plane, the illuminating system comprising a redirecting surface of a lens or reflector, for relocating at least a portion of the incident light. In one application, particles are illuminated in the output plane.

Redirecting surface for desired intensity profile

In an apparatus in which particles are passed through an optical sensing zone to measure their light scattering characteristics for the purpose of identifying the particles, means and a method are provided for deviating the collected light in accordance with predetermined different paths to a plurality of different photodetecting devices. The deviation is effected simultaneously with collection by optical radiant energy reflecting means. The different photodetecting devices enable the measurement of energy scattered along the particular path which is identified with that device. The paths are established by the combined collecting and deviating means rather than permitted to evolve by the scattering phenomena themselves whereby the photodetecting devices can be located in convenient arrangements and may be conventional in construction.

Apparatus and method for measuring scattering of light in particle

There is disclosed an illuminator and collector apparatus and method for fluorescence analysis wherein illumination of a stream of particles produces fluorescent light. A reflector, having a concave reflector surface with a first focus disposed in the stream of particles, has reflected therefrom organized illuminating radiation, such radiation converging upon the first focus to stimulate the particles into producing the fluorescent light. The fluorescent light emanates from the first focus, a portion of which is reflected from the concave reflector surface. This fluorescent light which is focused on the second focus contains no (or negligible) amount of illuminating radiation and is collected for subsequent detection and processing.

Dark field illuminator and collector apparatus and method

Disclosed is a radiation collector apparatus and method primarily for counting and analyzing a flow of dilute particulate material, such as blood cells, sperm cells and the like, through the use of light detection. The radiation collector apparatus comprises a reflector chamber having an ellipsoidal reflector surface with a pair of elipsoidal foci defining a first focus, f.sub.11, and second focus, f.sub.12, and a second reflector surface with a primary focus, f.sub.21, positioned at the same point as focus f.sub.12, and a secondary focus, f.sub.22. The second reflector surface has the configuration of one of the conic sections of revolution. In operation the radiation collector apparatus is provided with an intensifed beam of light and a stream of particulate material aligned to intersect the intensifed beam of light at focus f.sub.11. Detectable light signals, after two reflections, are received in a focused beam by a photosensitive detector.

Ellipsoid-conic radiation collector and method

Disclosed is a radiation collector apparatus and method primarily for counting and analyzing a flow of dilute particulate material, such as blood cells, sperm cells and the like, through the use of radiation detection. The radiation collector apparatus comprises a reflector chamber having an ellipsoidal reflector surface with a pair of ellipsoidal foci defining a primary focus and secondary focus. A window is formed in the ellipsoidal reflector surface and is centered on a symmetry axis defined by the primary and secondary foci. In operation the radiation collector apparatus is provided with an intensified beam of radiation and a stream of particulate material aligned to intersect the intensified beam of radiation at one of the ellipsoidal foci. Detectable radiation, either directly or after one or more reflections, proceeds through the window in an organized beam for detection.

Ellipsoid radiation collector apparatus and method

Disclosed is a radiation collector apparatus for analyzing particles by irradiating the particles to produce a source of detectable radiation, wherein the radiation collector apparatus comprises a reflector chamber having an ellipsoidal first reflector surface truncated in a plane of a minor axis of the same by a planar second reflector surface. Detectable radiation emanating from a primary focus of the first reflector surface either directly or after one or more reflections proceeds through a window formed in one of the reflector surfaces for subsequent processing. In another embodiment a dichroic second reflector surface is provided.

Mirror image ellipsoid radiation collector and method

A cuvette for containing a fluid to be analyzed by a single or multiple passage therethrough of a light beam whose rays are substantially parallel to each other. The cuvette is configured such that the substantially parallel light rays incident onto the cuvette remain substantially parallel after one or more passages of the light rays through the cuvette or the light rays have a minimum beam diameter at a selected distance from the cuvette. This is accomplished while the cuvette has a fluid holding configuration that minimizes contamination of subsequent sample placed therein.

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Miramar, FL, United States of America

Albert Brunsting