What occurs when the laser light passes through the optical gel in a cytometer?

When laser light passes through the optical gel in a cytometer, it experiences minimal refraction loss. Optical gels are specifically designed to have a refractive index that closely matches that of the materials in the cytometer. This matching reduces the amount of light that is bent or refracted at the interface between the gel and other components, allowing for more efficient transmission of the laser light.

Minimizing refraction loss is crucial in cytometry as it ensures that the laser light maintains its intensity and focus, ultimately enhancing the detection capabilities of the system. The specific properties of the optical gel facilitate effective light transmission, which is essential for accurate data acquisition and analysis in cytometric applications.