an imaging flow cytometry system and method which includes a flow chamber , tracking mirror , microscope and imaging optics , image capturing system , device to regulate fluid flow through the chamber , and backlighting generator . the tracking mirror moves at a rate matched to the particle velocity in the flow chamber so as to enhance the sample flow rates possible with the system while maintaining clear and accurate imaging . the backlighting generator passes through the flow chamber and the objective before being focused on the image capturing system . detected scatter events initiate tracking by the mirror , resulting in imaging with reduced motion blur even at high rates of flow .