OVERVIEW

Recent live cell fluorescence microscopy studies unraveled the transient nature of nearly all molecular interactions in vivo. The need to probe molecular reactions with improved temporal and spatial resolutions calls for development of fast 3D microscopy tools.

We have developed a 3D microscopy technology based on microfabricated V-shaped mirrors etched in silicon. These devices are placed above fluorescent specimens, and can be used to observe cells from different vantage, which are combined using stereovision methods to reconstruct the cell in 3D.

Our approach is readily adapted to standard bright field microscopes, and it enables performing 3D microscopy with one single image and one single camera. The fluidic environment of the cells is also controlled in our system.