Optimized micromirrors for three-dimensional single-particle tracking in living cells

In this letter we describe and fabricate an optimized version of micromirrors for three-dimensional (3D) single-particle tracking in living cells. Our technology is based on parallel arrays of single facet mirrors, which are introduced into the field of view of an optical microscope to provide one tilted view projected alongside the direct fluorescent sample image. Our method outperforms previously published V-shaped micromirrors technologies, as demonstrated by a ten-fold enhanced 3D positioning accuracy and a 1.7-fold reduced bleaching rate. We envision that our technology will be particularly useful for high-throughput 3D live cell imaging. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3599586]