What is the main difference between spectral flow cytometry and conventional flow cytometry?

Spectral flow cytometry and conventional flow cytometry share similar designs in fluidics and lasers. The main differences between the two techniques are the optics and detectors.

• Optics: Conventional flow cytometry uses mirrors and optical filters to block, reflect, or transmit a photon based on its wavelength, while spectral flow cytometers employ employs light dispersion elements, such as prisms and spectrographs, to disperse photons according to wavelength.
• Detectors: The detectors used in conventional flow cytometry are usually individual photodiode (PD) or photomultiplier tube (PMT). However, to measure the continuous spectrum produced by the dispersive elements, a linear array of detectors is required. The common detectors used in spectral flow cytometry are arrays of charge coupled devices (CCDs) and multianode PMTs.