Methods for compact multi-color flow cytometers having compact detection modules

A flow cytometer system comprising:

• a laser system having a plurality of different lasers to emit a plurality of differing laser beams;
• a flow cell assembly positioned to receive the plurality of differing laser beams at an interrogation region of a flow channel where fluoresced cells in a fluidics stream scatter the plurality of differing laser beams an emit fluorescent light;
• at least one optical fiber of at least one fiber assembly positioned to collect the fluorescent light at a first end and direct the fluorescent light towards a second end;
• and
• at least one light detection module to receive the fluorescent light from the second end of the at least one optical fiber of the at least one fiber assembly, the at least one light detection module including
• a first optical array having
• a transparent block,
• a first plurality of reflection surfaces in a row coupled to a first side of the transparent block, and
• a first plurality of optical filters in a row coupled to a second side of the transparent block opposite the first side;
• and
• a first plurality of N detector channels in a row forming a first detector chain adjacent the first optical array, wherein N is eight (8) or more and each detector channel includes a focusing lens, and a photodiode.