Particle and cell sorting throughput enhancement via pulsed lasers

A method comprising:

• transmitting a first message to each of a first camera and a second camera, the first message comprising, for each exposure, an exposure start time and exposure duration to capture images of a single particle in a microfluidic device;
• transmitting a second message to each of a first light source and a second light source to cause the first light source to emit light of a first wavelength according to a first pulsing pattern and the second light source to emit light of a second wavelength according to a second pulsing pattern;
• obtaining a first image from the first camera and a second image from the second camera;
• and
• processing the first image and the second image to determine whether the single particle is of a target particle type, and a speed of the single particle traveling in the microfluidic device based on a distance of the single particle as depicted in each of two pulses of light of the second wavelength from the second light source according to the second pulsing pattern.

An optical system comprising:

• a first camera configured to capture a first image of a single particle in a population of particles in a microfluidic device;
• a first light source configured to emit at least one light of a first wavelength according to a first pulsing pattern including at least a first pulse and a second pulse with a timing spaced out such that the single particle is able to be identified and a velocity of the single particle is able to be derived;
• and
• a microfluidic device comprising a channel transporting a fluid containing the single particle.