Flow Cytometry Light Array Multiplexing for Multi-Point Detection

The patent combines multiple laser irradiation sources and multiple photodetector detection sources into a single integrated flow cytometry system. The multiple lasers are positioned at different locations along the flow stream to irradiate particles at different stages, while multiple photodetectors collect light signals from the same flow stream. This merging of multiple components into a unified system enables enhanced light detection sensitivity and accuracy without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as the components work synergistically within a single instrument framework.

The patent segments the detection system into multiple photodetectors, each positioned to detect light signals from specific regions or stages of the flow stream. This segmentation allows different photodetectors to specialize in detecting particles at different positions or with different optical properties, thereby improving overall measurement precision. The segmented approach enables parallel detection of multiple parameters simultaneously, enhancing accuracy without requiring a single overly complex detection mechanism.

The patent introduces the spatial dimension by positioning multiple lasers at different locations along the flow stream rather than using a single laser position. This dimensional expansion allows the system to characterize particles at multiple stages of their passage through the flow cell, enabling detection of different physical and optical properties at different positions. The addition of this spatial dimension enhances particle characterization capability by providing multi-point measurement data, while the modular arrangement of lasers along the flow path keeps the irradiation system relatively simple and manageable.