Optical apparatus
First Claim
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1. An analyzation instrument, comprising:
- a) a flow source to produce a flow of particles through an inspection zone;
b) a source of electromagnetic radiation adapted to direct electromagnetic radiation onto said flow of particles at said inspection zone;
c) a partial ellipsoidal collector having a near focal point at said inspection zone and a distant focal point which define an optical axis along a line between said near focal point and said distant focal point, said flow of particles substantially aligned with said optical axis, said electromagnetic radiation either produced or deflected from said flow of particles reflected from said partial ellipsoidal collector converges towards said distant focal point; and
d) a sensor which senses said electromagnetic radiation which converges towards said distant focal point;
e) a processor which processes sensed electromagnetic radiation to derive predetermined information of particles; and
f) a sorting apparatus to sort said particles based on said predetermined information downstream of said flow source.
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Abstract
Various optical apparatus, in particular embodiments, may provide a source of parallel light (7, 75). The parallel light (7, 75) may be generally achieved by directing an incident beam at the apex of a prism (1, 22, 24, 26, 28). The prism may have varying configurations. One configuration has a forward conical face (24). Another configuration has a pyramidal forward end (22). Other configurations are also disclosed. Various optical methods and methods for flow cytometry are also disclosed.
582 Citations
17 Claims
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1. An analyzation instrument, comprising:
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a) a flow source to produce a flow of particles through an inspection zone; b) a source of electromagnetic radiation adapted to direct electromagnetic radiation onto said flow of particles at said inspection zone; c) a partial ellipsoidal collector having a near focal point at said inspection zone and a distant focal point which define an optical axis along a line between said near focal point and said distant focal point, said flow of particles substantially aligned with said optical axis, said electromagnetic radiation either produced or deflected from said flow of particles reflected from said partial ellipsoidal collector converges towards said distant focal point; and d) a sensor which senses said electromagnetic radiation which converges towards said distant focal point; e) a processor which processes sensed electromagnetic radiation to derive predetermined information of particles; and f) a sorting apparatus to sort said particles based on said predetermined information downstream of said flow source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of analyzing, comprising the steps of:
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a) passing a flow of particles to be analyzed through an inspection zone; b) reflecting electromagnetic radiation from a partial ellipsoidal collector to a near focal point at said inspection zone to deliver electromagnetic radiation onto said flow of particles; c) collecting said electromagnetic radiation either produced or deflected from said flow of particles with said partial ellipsoidal collector having near focal point at said inspection zone and a distant focal point which define an optical axis said flow of particles substantially aligned with said optical axis; d) directing said electromagnetic radiation either produced or deflected from said flow of particles to converge towards said distant focal point with said partial ellipsoidal collector; e) sensing said electromagnetic radiation directed towards said distant focal point; f) processing to derive from said electromagnetic radiation sensed predetermined information of particles in said flow; and g) sorting said particles based on said predetermined information. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification