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A Protocol for Real-time 3D Single Particle Tracking
Published on: January 3, 2018
Real-time particle tracking at 10,000 fps using optical fiber illumination
Oliver Otto1, Fabian Czerwinski, Joanne L Gornall
1Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
Optics Express
|December 18, 2010
Summary
We developed a new optical fiber illumination method for high-speed particle tracking. This technique significantly improves signal-to-noise ratio, enabling precise real-time monitoring of microscopic particles.
Area of Science:
- Optical physics
- Nanotechnology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Real-time tracking of optically trapped particles is crucial for various scientific disciplines.
- Traditional illumination methods can limit tracking speed and accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate an optical fiber illumination system for enhanced real-time particle tracking.
- To achieve microsecond time resolution and high positional accuracy in particle tracking.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a high-radiance mercury arc lamp and a 600 μm optical fiber for sample illumination.
- Employed a CMOS camera for image acquisition and a cross-correlation algorithm for particle tracking.
- Calibrated optical tweezers and compared results with quadrant photodiode measurements.
Main Results:
- Achieved a signal-to-noise ratio one order of magnitude higher than standard Köhler illumination.
- Demonstrated real-time position determination of optically trapped colloids at 10,000 frames per second over extended periods.
- Determined a positional accuracy of 2 nm using Allan variance analysis.
Conclusions:
- Optical fiber illumination significantly enhances signal-to-noise ratio for particle tracking.
- Current CMOS camera technology and the developed illumination method do not limit real-time particle tracking speeds.
- The system offers high precision and speed for studying optically trapped particles.
