Detection of Single Biological Cells using a DVD Pickup Head

In this paper we present an optical detection system for single biological cells that utilizes a standard DVD pickup head. In a feasibility study we have shown the detection for different plain and silver coated polystyrene particles and cells (yeast) suspended on a platinum mirror. For these experiments the integrated magnetic actor of the pickup was used to simulate the particle movement and we found a remarkable sensitivity. Then a flow cell with integrated mirror has been designed to be able to measure particles in a cytometric setup. First measurement results are given that show the high sensitivity and a good repeatability for polystyrene beads.