Optical layout of the ImageStream^® imaging flow cytometer: Cells are fluorescently labeled in suspension and loaded through the system using a syringe pump. Samples are hydrodynamically focused in flow, and fluorescence is excited using multiple laser lines. The brightfield, SSC and fluorescent images are captured by a 20x, 40x or 60x imaging objective and transferred to the filter stack where each color is projected to a spatially discrete channel on the cameras. Up to 10 colors of fluorescence are collected in spatial registry, so each probe is measured for intensity, morphology and relative location to other probes.

Our patented time delay integration (TDI) and camera technology deliver sensitivity and expandability beyond what is possible with traditional flow cytometers:

1. Up to 7 lasers are focused in discrete locations, aligned to four zones.
2. Syringe Driven Fluidics: Hydrodynamically focused cells pass through the laser-illuminated region. Fluorochromes bound to the cells are excited and emit into the collection system. Fluorescence is collected and directed toward an intermediate image plane.
3. A six-channel filter stack decomposes each of the four discrete vertical positions in the intermediate image plane into 22 separate channels of data.
4. All 22 channels fit efficiently onto a charge-coupled device (CCD) array. The sensor contains multiple discrete collection fields using the same CCD as patented Amnis^® technology.