An analyzing system includes a fluidic stream that guides an analyte in a detection area where the analyte emits or transmits light. One or more polarizing elements polarize the light into respective two or more different polarization components. One or more optical detectors receive the respective two or more polarization components and generate respective at least two signals in response. A processor is coupled to the optical detectors and configured to determine the polarization status of the light from the object based on the signals.