Optical detection system with polarizing beamsplitter
First Claim
1. An optical detection system for analyzing predetermined characteristics of a flow stream, the optical detection system comprising:
- a light source for providing an input light beam to the flow stream, the input light beam having a polarization direction;
a polarizing beamsplitter for receiving an output light beam from the flow stream, and for providing a polarized light beam and a depolarized light beam, wherein the polarized light beam and the depolarized light beam form an angle therebetween of less than 90 degrees; and
light receiving means for receiving the polarized light beam and the depolarized light beam, and for providing a first output signal that corresponds to the polarized light beam and a second output signal that corresponds to the depolarized light beam.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An optical detection system for use in flow cytometry or the like, which includes a polarizing beamsplitter 820 such as a Wollaston prism. A light source provides an input light beam to a flow stream, wherein the input light beam has a polarization direction. The particles in the flow stream may produce an output light beam that includes a polarized component and a depolarized component. The polarizing beam splitter receives the output light beam, and provides a polarized light beam and a depolarized light beam to a pair of detectors. The pair of detectors provide a first output signal that corresponds to the polarized light beam and a second output signal that corresponds to the depolarized light beam. A controller or processor may use the first output signal and the second output signal to help identify/classify particles and/or particle characteristics in the flow stream.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. An optical detection system for analyzing predetermined characteristics of a flow stream, the optical detection system comprising:
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a light source for providing an input light beam to the flow stream, the input light beam having a polarization direction;
a polarizing beamsplitter for receiving an output light beam from the flow stream, and for providing a polarized light beam and a depolarized light beam, wherein the polarized light beam and the depolarized light beam form an angle therebetween of less than 90 degrees; and
light receiving means for receiving the polarized light beam and the depolarized light beam, and for providing a first output signal that corresponds to the polarized light beam and a second output signal that corresponds to the depolarized light beam. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for analyzing predetermined characteristics of a flow stream, the method comprising:
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providing an input light beam to the flow stream, the input light beam having a polarization direction;
providing an output light beam from the flow stream to a polarizing beam splitter, the polarizing beamsplitter providing a polarized light beam and a depolarized light beam, wherein the polarized light beam and the depolarized light beam form an angle therebetween of less than 90 degrees;
detecting the polarized light beam and the depolarized light beam, and providing a first output signal that corresponds to the polarized light beam and a second output signal that corresponds to the depolarized light beam. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. An optical detection system for analyzing predetermined characteristics of a flow stream, the optical detection system comprising:
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a light source for providing an input light beam to the flow stream, the input light beam having in incident angle relative to the flow stream and a polarization direction;
a polarizing beamsplitter for receiving a scattered output light beam from the flow stream, the scattered output light beam being scattered about 90 degrees relative to the incident angle of the input light beam, the polarizing beamsplitter providing a polarized light beam and a depolarized light beam, wherein the polarized light beam and the depolarized light beam form an angle therebetween of less than 90 degrees; and
light receiving means for receiving the polarized light beam and the depolarized light beam, and for providing a first output signal that corresponds to the polarized light beam and a second output signal that corresponds to the depolarized light beam. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25)
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Specification