Q-Trap Mode¶
Systems with four traps can operate in Q-Trap (Quad-Trap) Mode. This enables all four traps and switches the second detector to Trap 4 instead of Trap 2.
:warning: In the Bluelake timeline the force will still be labeled Trap 2.
Usage¶
- Enable the Q-Trap switch in the “Power controls” tab of the control window, which will perform the following actions:
- Switch the “Tracking” laser to 100% power. This laser is used for force detection of Trap 4 (labeled Trap2 in the timeline) in Q-trap mode. The laser is not automatically turned ON (i.e. no emission) for safety reasons, the user needs to turn it ON manually.
- Set the “Q-Trap Split” ratio to 66.67%; this will distribute the laser power equally into Traps 1&2 and 3&4. If you like to adjust the power ratio between Traps 1&2 and 3&4 to a different setting, you can use the slider “Q-Trap Split” for it. With the “Trap 1 Split” slider you can tune the ratio of the laser power between Trap 1 and Trap 2. The ratio of laser power in Trap 3 and Trap 4 is always equal.
- Reset the force calibration as the values in dual mode are not valid anymore and a new calibration is required.
- Trap 3,4 and 3+4 become visible in the user interface.
- Turn the “Tracking laser” ON. To ensure the safety of the user the laser is not automatically turned ON.
- On the force detection box, raise the lever to switch to the 980 nm detection which is still labeled as Trap 2 in the timeline but could correspond to another trap based on the system configuration.
| Device / Mode | Dual Trap | Q-Trap |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking laser | OFF - 0% Power | OFF - 100% Power (user needs to turn it ON) |
| Q-Trap split | 0% | 66.67% |
| Force detection box lever | LOW | HIGH |