A flow cell and use thereof

A flow cell for the analysis of objects in a liquid stream, the flow cell comprising:

• a flow cell body having a chamber therein defined by an inner surface of the flow cell body, the flow cell body having an inlet end and an outlet end;
• the inlet end of the flow cell body being provided with a first fluid coupling member having a flow passage therethrough;
• the outlet end of the flow cell body being provided with a second fluid coupling member having a flow passage therethrough;
• the flow cell body comprising a first transparent portion, through which light may enter the chamber to illuminate objects within the chamber, and a second transparent portion through which objects within the chamber may be imaged;
• wherein the chamber comprises a first transition portion adjacent the inlet end of the flow cell body, the first transition portion comprising a smooth transition between the flow passage of the first fluid coupling member and the inner surface of the flow cell body defining the chamber;
• and
• wherein the chamber comprises a second transition portion adjacent the outlet end of the flow cell body, the second transition portion comprising a smooth transition between the flow passage of the second fluid coupling member and the inner surface of the flow cell body defining the chamber.

An apparatus for illuminating objects, the apparatus comprising:

• a light source for generating light;
• a first collimator for collimating the light emitted by the light source, the first collimator comprising a pin hole through which the light from the light source is caused to pass;
• and
• a second collimator comprising a telecentric lens.