Non-Orthogonal Particle Detection Systems and Methods
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Abstract
Described herein is a particle detection system capable of spatially resolving the interaction of particles with a beam of electromagnetic radiation. Using a specific electromagnetic beam cross sectional shape and orientation, the detection sensitivity of a particle detection system can be improved. Also provided are methods for detecting and sizing particles in a manner that has low background signal and allows for spatially resolving the scattering or emission of electromagnetic radiation from particles.
111 Citations
59 Claims
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1-38. -38. (canceled)
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39. A particle detection system comprising:
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a flow cell for containing a fluid flowing through said flow cell in a flow direction; a source for generating a beam of electromagnetic radiation having a cross sectional profile having a major axis and a minor axis, said source positioned to direct said beam through said flow cell, wherein an angle between said major axis and said flow direction is non-orthogonal, wherein particles contained within said fluid interact with said beam, thereby generating scattered or emitted electromagnetic radiation; a system of optics for collecting and directing said scattered or emitted electromagnetic radiation onto a two-dimensional detector, wherein said system of optics has an optical axis positioned non-orthogonal to said major axis; and said two-dimensional detector positioned in optical communication with said flow cell for receiving at least a portion of said scattered or emitted electromagnetic radiation, wherein said two-dimensional detector is positioned non-orthogonal to said optical axis of said system of optics. - View Dependent Claims (40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56)
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57. A method of detecting particles, said method comprising the steps of:
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providing particles in a fluid having a flow direction; passing a beam of electromagnetic radiation having a cross sectional profile having a major axis and a minor axis through said fluid, wherein an angle between said major axis and said flow direction is non-orthogonal, and wherein said particles interact with said beam thereby generating scattered or emitted electromagnetic radiation; collecting and directing said scattered or emitted electromagnetic radiation onto a two-dimensional detector using system of optics wherein said system of optics has an optical axis positioned non-orthogonal to said major axis; and detecting at least a portion of said scattered or emitted electromagnetic radiation using said two-dimensional detector, wherein said two-dimensional detector is positioned non-orthogonal to said optical axis of said system of optics, thereby detecting said particles.
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58. A method of spatially resolving an interaction of particles with a beam of electromagnetic radiation, said method comprising the steps of:
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providing particles suspended within a fluid flowing in a flow direction; passing a beam of electromagnetic radiation through said fluid, wherein said beam has a cross sectional profile having a major axis and a minor axis and wherein an angle between said major axis and said flow direction is non-orthogonal, and wherein said particles interact with said beam thereby generating scattered or emitted electromagnetic radiation; collecting and directing said scattered or emitted electromagnetic radiation onto a two-dimensional detector using system of optics, wherein said system of optics has an optical axis positioned non-orthogonal to said major axis, wherein said two-dimensional detector is positioned non-orthogonal to said optical axis of said system of optics, detecting at least a portion of said scattered or emitted electromagnetic radiation using said two-dimensional detector, thereby spatially resolving said scattered or emitted electromagnetic radiation in a first direction parallel to a propagation axis of said beam and in a second direction parallel to said major axis of said cross sectional profile of said beam.
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59. A method of sizing a particle, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a particle suspended within a fluid flowing in a flow direction through a flow cell; passing a beam of electromagnetic radiation through said fluid, wherein said beam has a cross sectional profile having a major axis and a minor axis and wherein an angle between said major axis and said flow direction is non-orthogonal, and wherein said particle interacts with said beam thereby generating scattered or emitted electromagnetic radiation; collecting and directing said scattered or emitted electromagnetic radiation onto a two-dimensional detector using a system of optics, wherein said system of optics has an optical axis positioned non-orthogonal to said major axis, wherein said two-dimensional detector is positioned non-orthogonal to said optical axis of said system of optics, imaging at least a portion of said scattered or emitted electromagnetic radiation onto the two-dimensional detector; determining an intensity of said scattered or emitted electromagnetic radiation imaged onto said two-dimensional detector; and comparing said intensity of said scattered or emitted electromagnetic radiation imaged onto said two-dimensional detector with one or more threshold reference values, thereby determining a size of said particle.
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Specification