Systems for detecting light by birefringent fourier transform interferometry and methods for using same

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure include systems for detecting light from a particle by birefringent interferometry. Systems according to certain embodiments include a light source configured to irradiate a particle propagating through a flow stream, a light detection system that includes a birefringent polarizing interferometer configured to generate interfering polarized beams of light, a light adjustment component configured to continuously convey light from the irradiated particle across different positions on the birefringent polarizing interferometer as the particle is propagated through the flow stream, a photodetector configured to detect interference patterns of the interfering polarized beams of light generated by the birefringent polarizing interferometer from light collected from the irradiated particle and generate a photodetector signal pulse in response to each detected interference pattern. Systems also include a processor for transforming the photodetector signal pulses into spectral data signals. Methods for detecting light with the subject systems are also described. Kits having one or more components for detecting light according to the subject methods are also provided.