By way of overview and introduction, various embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods described herein are directed improved approaches to aligning and standardizing different total spectral radiance factor shapes measured with different instruments. Furthermore, in one or more configurations and approaches, the disclosure presented herein is directed to obtaining a whiteness calibration value for use in sample measurements without the need of UV filter adjustments.

Methods and systems for detecting early stage dental caries and decays are provided. In particular, in an embodiment, laser-induced autofluorescence (AF) from multiple excitation wavelengths is obtained and analyzed. Endogenous fluorophores residing in the enamel naturally fluoresce when illuminated by wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet into the visible spectrum. The relative intensities of the AF emission changes between different excitation wavelengths when the enamel changes from healthy to demineralized. By taking a ratio of AF emission spectra integrals between different excitation wavelengths, a standard is created wherein changes in AF ratios within a tooth are quantified and serve as indicators of early stage enamel demineralization. The techniques described herein may be used in conjunction with a scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) to provide a reliable, safe and low-cost means for identifying dental caries or decays.

A data creation method includes: an autofluorescence data generation step of placing a focus of light having a predetermined wavelength at one set of coordinates on a predetermined focal plane, irradiating a sample positioned at the set of coordinates with excitation light containing the light to obtain autofluorescence emitted from the sample, and generating autofluorescence data including intensity data and/or spectrum data of the autofluorescence; a reflected light data generation step of irradiating the set of coordinates on the predetermined focal plane with illumination light to obtain reflected light scattered by the sample, and generating intensity data of the reflected light; and a correspondence data creation step of creating correspondence data associating the autofluorescence data and the reflected light data on the set of coordinates on the predetermined focal plane.

Techniques are disclosed relating to fluorescence-based flow cytometry. A flow cytometer may include a partially-reflective surface configured to reflect a first portion of fluorescent emissions from a sample to a first optical sensor and direct a second, greater portion of fluorescent emissions from the sample to a second optical sensor and a controller configured to determine a value representing the intensity of the fluorescent emissions based on a first measurement taken by the first optical sensor, a second measurement taken by the second optical sensor, or both. A flow cytometer may include a baseplate with a first side and a second, opposing side with a flow cell, a laser, and a reflective surface disposed above the first side and an optical sensor and isolating material disposed below the second side. The reflective surface receives fluorescent emissions and reflects at least a portion through the baseplate to the optical sensor. A flow cytometer may include a flow cell, a laser, a first optical sensor positioned to measure scattered laser light, a second optical sensor positioned to measure fluorescent emissions, and a controller configured to adjust the measurements taken by the second optical sensor based on a comparison of measurements taken by the first optical sensor with expected measurements based on a known beam profile of the laser beam.

Techniques are disclosed relating to fluorescence-based flow cytometry. A flow cytometer may include a partially-reflective surface configured to reflect a first portion of fluorescent emissions from a sample to a first optical sensor and direct a second, greater portion of fluorescent emissions from the sample to a second optical sensor and a controller configured to determine a value representing the intensity of the fluorescent emissions based on a first measurement taken by the first optical sensor, a second measurement taken by the second optical sensor, or both. A flow cytometer may include a baseplate with a first side and a second, opposing side with a flow cell, a laser, and a reflective surface disposed above the first side and an optical sensor and isolating material disposed below the second side. The reflective surface receives fluorescent emissions and reflects at least a portion through the baseplate to the optical sensor. A flow cytometer may include a flow cell, a laser, a first optical sensor positioned to measure scattered laser light, a second optical sensor positioned to measure fluorescent emissions, and a controller configured to adjust the measurements taken by the second optical sensor based on a comparison of measurements taken by the first optical sensor with expected measurements based on a known beam profile of the laser beam.

The present disclosure relates to the field of medical technology, which provides methods and apparatuses for identifying red blood cells infected by plasmodium. The methods may include: obtaining a forward-scattered light signal, a side-scattered light signal and an optional fluorescence signal from cells in a blood sample; obtaining a first two-dimensional scattergram according to the forward-scattered light signal and the side-scattered light signal, or obtaining a three-dimensional scattergram according to the forward-scattered light signal, the side-scattered light signal and the fluorescence signal; and identifying cells located in a predetermined area of the first two-dimensional scattergram or the three-dimensional scattergram as the red blood cells infected by plasmodium. The apparatuses perform the methods. The methods and apparatuses can have better identification accuracy.

An improved DNA sequencing system comprising a DNA sample holder residing on a stacked BSI global shutter image sensor illuminated by a pulsed laser for fluorescent illumination detection. The pulsed laser has on and off periods wherein during the laser on period a Fluorophore tag attached to a DNA sample is excited to produce fluorescence emission while the imaging system captures no illumination and during the off period the global shutter imaging system captures persistent fluorescent emission from the DNA sample and reads out an imaging signal.

The present disclosure relates to the field of medical technology, which provides methods and apparatuses for identifying red blood cells infected by plasmodium. The methods may include: obtaining a forward-scattered light signal, a side-scattered light signal and an optional fluorescence signal from cells in a blood sample; obtaining a first two-dimensional scattergram according to the forward-scattered light signal and the side-scattered light signal, or obtaining a three-dimensional scattergram according to the forward-scattered light signal, the side-scattered light signal and the fluorescence signal; and identifying cells located in a predetermined area of the first two-dimensional scattergram or the three-dimensional scattergram as the red blood cells infected by plasmodium. The apparatuses perform the methods. The methods and apparatuses can have better identification accuracy.

A computer-implemented method includes controlling an instrument to measure a fluorescence emission spectrum of a sample including a first peak emission wavelength and at least a second peak emission wavelength, emitted in response to an excitation wavelength and controlling the instrument to measure an absorbance obtained at the excitation wavelength of the sample. The method may include determining, using the computer, a ratio of the measurements at either the second peak emission wavelength, or a sum of measurements at a plurality of peak emission wavelengths including at least the first peak emission wavelength and the second peak emission wavelength, to the first peak emission wavelength, and calculating, using the computer, a value for a quality parameter based on a combination of at least the ratio and the absorbance measurement. The method may include controlling an associated process based on the quality parameter.

Techniques are disclosed relating to fluorescence-based flow cytometry. A flow cytometer may include a partially-reflective surface configured to reflect a first portion of fluorescent emissions from a sample to a first optical sensor and direct a second, greater portion of fluorescent emissions from the sample to a second optical sensor and a controller configured to determine a value representing the intensity of the fluorescent emissions based on a first measurement taken by the first optical sensor, a second measurement taken by the second optical sensor, or both. A flow cytometer may include a baseplate with a first side and a second, opposing side with a flow cell, a laser, and a reflective surface disposed above the first side and an optical sensor and isolating material disposed below the second side. The reflective surface receives fluorescent emissions and reflects at least a portion through the baseplate to the optical sensor. A flow cytometer may include a flow cell, a laser, a first optical sensor positioned to measure scattered laser light, a second optical sensor positioned to measure fluorescent emissions, and a controller configured to adjust the measurements taken by the second optical sensor based on a comparison of measurements taken by the first optical sensor with expected measurements based on a known beam profile of the laser beam.