1. A particle characterization method, comprising: providing a fluid containing suspended particles; causing at least a first subset of the suspended particles to flow past a first two-dimensional array detector; causing a sheath flow to flow adjacent the flow caused by the step of causing the suspended particles to flow, to direct the flow of suspended particles toward the two-dimensional array detector; illuminating the first subset of suspended particles as they flow past the first two-dimensional array detector in the fluid; acquiring a plurality of images of the first subset of particles as they flow past the first two-dimensional array detector in the fluid.