A sensor arrangement characterizes particles. The arrangement has an emitter with a laser source that generates a laser beam; a mode converter that generates a field distribution of the laser beam, which at each position has a different combination of a local intensity and a local polarization direction of the laser beam; and focusing optics that focus the field distribution of the laser beam onto at least one measurement region, through which the particles pass, in a focal plane. A receiver is also provided with analyzer optics configured to determine polarization-dependent intensity signals of the field distribution of the laser beam in the at least one measurement region; and an evaluator configured to characterize the particles, including the particle position, the particle velocity, the particle acceleration, or the particle size, using the polarization-dependent intensity signals.

There is provided a method including generating a phase contrast image of an aggregate of a pluripotent stem cell from a hologram in which the aggregates is captured; deriving a phase contrast amount density obtained by dividing a total phase contrast amount which is a value obtained by integrating a phase contrast amount of each of a plurality of pixels that constitute the phase contrast image, by a volume of the aggregate; and sorting the pluripotent stem cell based on the phase contrast amount density.

Flow cytometers including light collection enhancers are provided. In embodiments, the subject flow cytometers include a flow cell, a light source, an objective lens for focusing particle-modulated light propagating within a first light collection cone and a light collection enhancer configured to collect particle-modulated light propagating along an optical path within a second light collection cone and redirect the collected light such that it is back-propagated along the same optical path and focused by the objective lens for detection. Light collection enhancers of interest include a reflective optical element (e.g., a mirror) and a condenser lens positioned between the reflective optical element and the flow cell. Methods for analyzing a sample are also provided.

Integrated light interrogation modules are provided. In embodiments, the subject integrated light interrogation modules include a flow cell having a light-accessible flow channel for transporting particles in a flow stream, a focusing optical assembly integrated with the flow cell, and a connector for operably attaching a fiber optic light conveyor to the focusing optical assembly, where the focusing optical assembly is projects excitation wavelength light from the fiber optic light conveyor onto a focal spot of the flow cell when the fiber optic light conveyor is operably attached to the connector. In certain embodiments, focusing optical assemblies also include a connector for operably attaching a fiber optic light collection element for collecting fluorescent light emitted by the particles transported through the flow cell. Flow cytometers, methods and kits for practicing the invention are also provided.

Disclosed in a light scattering detection apparatus, including a sample cell for holding a liquid sample therein, a light source for irradiating the sample cell with coherent light, a detector for detecting light that coming from the sample cell, and a pair of holders for holding ends of the sample cell. Either or both of the holders has a double flange structure. The double flange structure includes a first flange configured to receiving the sample cell and a second flange configured to hold a tube connected to the sample cell. The second flange is detachably attached to the first flange.

Disclosed herein are platforms, systems, and methods including a cell culture system that includes a cell culture container comprising a cell culture, the cell culture receiving input cells, a cell imaging subsystem configured to acquire images of the cell culture, a computing subsystem configured to perform a cell culture process on the cell culture according to the images acquired by the cell imaging subsystem, and a cell editing subsystem configured to edit the cell culture to produce output cell products according to the cell culture process.

Disclosed herein are platforms, systems, and methods including a cell culture system that includes a cell culture container comprising a cell culture, the cell culture receiving input cells, a cell imaging subsystem configured to acquire images of the cell culture, a computing subsystem configured to perform a cell culture process on the cell culture according to the images acquired by the cell imaging subsystem, and a cell editing subsystem configured to edit the cell culture to produce output cell products according to the cell culture process.

Disclosed herein are platforms, systems, and methods including a cell culture system that includes a cell culture container comprising a cell culture, the cell culture receiving input cells, a cell imaging subsystem configured to acquire images of the cell culture, a computing subsystem configured to perform a cell culture process on the cell culture according to the images acquired by the cell imaging subsystem, and a cell editing subsystem configured to edit the cell culture to produce output cell products according to the cell culture process.

Disclosed herein are platforms, systems, and methods including a cell culture system that includes a cell culture container comprising a cell culture, the cell culture receiving input cells, a cell imaging subsystem configured to acquire images of the cell culture, a computing subsystem configured to perform a cell culture process on the cell culture according to the images acquired by the cell imaging subsystem, and a cell editing subsystem configured to edit the cell culture to produce output cell products according to the cell culture process.

Disclosed herein are platforms, systems, and methods including a cell culture system that includes a cell culture container comprising a cell culture, the cell culture receiving input cells, a cell imaging subsystem configured to acquire images of the cell culture, a computing subsystem configured to perform a cell culture process on the cell culture according to the images acquired by the cell imaging subsystem, and a cell editing subsystem configured to edit the cell culture to produce output cell products according to the cell culture process.