Lasers for flow cytometry.

Lasers are the principle light sources of flow cytometers. Most modern benchtop instruments feature air-cooled argon-ion laser emitting 10-25 mW of light at 488 nm. This unit covers the various types of lasers available and the qualities that make them suitable or unsuitable for use in flow cytometers. Also included is a discussion of future directions, particularly in the development of solid-state devices that might replace gas lasers.