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Optical detection system with polarizing beamsplitter

  • US 7,471,394 B2
  • Filed: 12/30/2004
  • Issued: 12/30/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/02/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A cytometer for analyzing predetermined characteristics of biological particles within a flow stream, the cytometer comprising:

  • a removable flow cytometry cartridge for receiving a sample fluid including biological particles and for hydrodynamic focusing the biological particles into a single file arrangement through an interrogation channel within the removable cartridge, the removable cartridge having a first sidewall with a first optically transparent window in optical communication with the interrogation channel, and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall with a second optically transparent window in optical communication with the interrogation channel;

    a housing for removably receiving the removable flow cytometry cartridge, the housing including;

    a light source for providing an input light beam to the interrogation channel through the first optically transparent window of the removable flow cytometry cartridge, the input light beam having a polarization direction;

    a polarizing beamsplitter for receiving an output light beam from the interrogation channel through the second optically transparent window of the removable flow cytometry cartridge, 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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