A New System for Three-Dimensional Tracking of Motile Microorganisms

ABSTRACT A new three-dimensional (3D)-tracking system with optimized dark-field illumination is presented. It allows simultaneous 3D tracking of several free-swimming microorganisms with diameters of >10 μm. Resolution limits and illumination efficiencies for different size classes of microorganisms are treated analytically. First applications for 3D tracking of protists are demonstrated.

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