Real-Time 3D Single-Particle Tracking: Spectroscopy, Imaging, and
Control
Haw Yang
Real-time 3D single-particle tracking spectroscopy is an experimental
technique that allows one to follow a nanoprobe as its moves in
three-dimensional space, either by diffusion or by active locomotion. The
technique keeps the nanoprobe at the center of the focus at all times by
moving the sample stage to counter any movements that the probe exhibits.
Effectively, the apparatus transforms the experimental coordinate from
lab-based from to probe-based frame. This way, it would become possible to
do time-dependent experiments on the probe or the molecule tethered to the
probe as if the particle or molecules are immobilized. This presentation
will discuss its principles, capabilities, and applications—including (1)
3D multi-resolution imaging of individual virus-like nano particles
interacting with a live cell, (2) temperature-jump experiments for testing
hot-Brownian theory, and (3) steering of self-propelled micro-swimmers and
its implications in bacterial locomotion.