We explore the diffraction limited focusing and confocal imaging properties
of a high NA parabolic mirror for confocal imaging and spectroscopy of nan
oparticles and single molecules. Vector field calculations of the electric
fields near focus for both linear and radially polarized illumination are d
iscussed and show that the optical field can be similar tightly focused as
in the case of a high NA objective lens. Furthermore they show that a high
NA parabolic mirror allows an easy orientation of the polarization of the i
lluminating light in all spatial directions. The simulation of confocal ima
ging of single molecules is discussed and yields, that the use of radially
polarized excitation light gives an easy access to their orientations. (C)
2001 Optical Society of America.