Abstract

We have constructed a prototype laser cytometer that has the potential to rapidly probe individual cells in large populations, The cytometer is based on a -biological microcavity laser technique¹ that employs a vertical-cavity surface-emitting semiconductor to provide gain for light confined by cells. This laser technique has critical advantages over conventional fluorescence detection methods. The microcavity laser provides intense, monochromatic, narrow divergence light signals that are emitted from, lasing modes confined by the cell. Once emitted from the microcavity, the light can be resolved into narrow spectral modes, high-contrast/ coherent light images, or time-dependent pulses. These spectra, images, and time-resolved data are useful for characterizing cell morphology and may be useful in diagnosis of cell abnormalities. We have used the cytometer in two basic configurations. First, as a probe of individual cells by spectral analysis of cell inodes. Second, as scanning cytometer for rapidly probing large numbers of cells by pulse- height spectroscopy.

© 1996 Optical Society of America