Xy, Inc.

Johnathan C Sharpe

Peter Niven Schaare

A method, optical apparatus and system for illuminating particles and for detecting emissions from illuminated particles in a flow cytometer. One configuration includes an objective lens coaxially aligned with the flow of particles being analyzed for collecting emissions at a detector.

Method of analyzing cells

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

Analyzation instrument

Various optical apparatus provide a source of parallel light ( ). The parallel light ( ) is generally achieved by directing an incident beam at the apex of a prism ( ). The prism may have varying configurations. One configuration has a forward conical face ( ). Another configuration has a pyramidal forward end ( ). Other configurations are also disclosed. The application also discloses the use of reflectors ( ) having internal reflective surfaces shaped as three-dimensional figures of revolution, for example paraboloid or ellipsoid. The reflectors ( ) focus light incident onto the reflectors at one or more foci (F, ). The reflectors may be used in combination with the optical apparatus including the prisms ( ). The reflectors ( ) may be used in flow cytometers for focussing light at a sample stream ( ) passing through the focus (F, ) of the reflector ( ). The collection of scattered and/or fluorescent light from an illuminated sample stream ( ) in a flow cytometer may be achieved with the use of a collector shaped as a figure of revolution e.g. paraboloid or ellipsoid. Various optical methods and methods for flow cytometry are also disclosed.

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Newton Centre, MA, United States of America

Johnathan C Sharpe