Open AccessSimple delay monitor for droplet sorters
Author(s) -
De Grooth Bart G.,
Doornbos Richard M. P.,
Van Der Werf Kees O.,
Greve Jan
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
cytometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1097-0320
pISSN - 0196-4763
DOI - 10.1002/cyto.990120513
Subject(s) - photomultiplier , fluorescence , materials science , capillary action , volume (thermodynamics) , optics , laser induced fluorescence , optoelectronics , physics , detector , composite material , quantum mechanics
We have constructed a simple device by which the optimal delay time between optical measurement of a cell and the application of the droplet charging pulse can be determined directly in a flow sorter. The device consists of a stainless steel chamber in which the sorted droplets are collected. In the collection chamber the collected droplets run through a capillary where a continuous fluorescence measurement is made. With a sample of fluorescent particles, the delay time is optimal when the measured fluorescence is maximal. The measuring volume is always filled with the last droplets sorted (about 3,000). With this device, the setting of the delay time can be done in a few seconds without the need for microscopical verification. The fluorescence in the collection chamber is excited and detected via optical fibers using about 10% of the light of the existing laser from the flow cytometer and an extra photomultiplier.