A novel method of diffraction imaging flow cytometry for sizing microspheres

Opt Express. 2012 Sep 24;20(20):22245-51. doi: 10.1364/OE.20.022245.

Abstract

We report a novel method of diffraction imaging flow cytometry to measure and analyze size distribution of microspheres. An automated and robust image processing software based on the short-time-Fourier-transform algorithm has been developed to analyze the characteristic and spatially varying oscillations of side scatters recorded as a diffraction image. Our results demonstrate that the new method allows accurate and rapid determination of single microspheres' diameters ranging from 1 to 100 μm. The capacity for analysis of light scattering by two-sphere aggregates has been demonstrated but analytical tools for characterization of aggregates by multiple microspheres remain to be developed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Artificial Intelligence*
  • Flow Cytometry / methods*
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Microspheres*
  • Nephelometry and Turbidimetry / methods*
  • Particle Size*
  • Pattern Recognition, Automated / methods*