Cytometry system with quantum cascade laser source, acoustic detector, and micro-fluidic cell handling system configured for inspection of individual cells

Abstract

This disclosure concerns a cytometry system including a handling system that presents single cells to at least one quantum cascade laser (QCL) source. The QCL laser source is configured to deliver light to a cell within the cells in order to induce resonant mid-IR vibrational absorption by one or more analytes, leading to local heating that results in thermal expansion and an associated shockwave. An acoustic detection facility that detects the shockwave emitted by the single cell.

1 . A cytometry system, comprising:
 a handling system that presents single cells to at least one quantum cascade laser (QCL) source;   the at least one QCL source configured to deliver light to a cell within the single cells presented in order to induce resonant mid-infrared vibrational absorption by one or more analytes of the cell, leading to local heating that results in thermal expansion and an associated shockwave; and   an acoustic detection facility that detects the shockwave.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a magnitude of the shockwave is indicative of a cell characteristic. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the characteristic is a quantity of a nucleic acid, a protein, a lipid, a nutrient, and a metabolic product. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , further comprising, a sort facility for sorting the cell according to the identified characteristic.