At this point, the moment of analysis, the cytometer
gathers information about the fluorescence characteristics of the particle. After passing
through the stream for the break-off distance, the stream is charged when the cell breaks
off into a drop (moment of charging). There will be a variable number of satellite drops
that are formed from the fluid connecting the drops as they form. These satellites should
be “fast-merging” (i.e., quickly become coalesced with the preceding drops). Charged
drops then pass through two high-voltage deflection plates and are deflected into
collection vessels or aspirated to waste. The break-off point is seen in real time under
stroboscopic illumination