Image capture and automated regulation of liquid jet breakoff for cell sorters and flow cytometers

Abstract

In one embodiment, a system includes a flow cell assembly having a flow cell body with a base having an opening allowing sheathed sample fluid to flow out, a bracket coupled to the flow cell body, a flat mirror mounted to the bracket, a hardware triggered camera coupled to the bracket on one side, and a diffused light emitting diode strobe light coupled to the bracket on an opposite side. The camera and strobe light are pointed at the mirror on opposite sides. Activation of the diffused LED strobe light generates a diffused strobe light into the mirror backlighting a droplet stream. Triggering of the camera is synchronized with the generation of the strobe light to periodically capture a brightfield still image of the droplet stream. The image can be analyzed for measured jet breakoff point and measured droplet interval point for visual feedback control of the droplet stream.