I am doing optical trapping of a particle of micron size by laser (800 nm). I have noticed that for the same power, with a slight change in focusing the stiffness constant varies a lot. How do you determine that the particle is optimally focused for trapping purposes? Should the particle be strongly trapped or weakly trapped? If the particle needs to be trapped by in-between strength then how to decide on the focusing level?
Should I stop calibrating the focus level once I find that the particle is describing enough Brownian motion and not escaping the trap?
Hello, Optical trapping, also known as optical tweezers, relies on tightly focused laser light to create a stable trap for micron-sized particles. In order to optimize the focus for trapping, you need to ensure that the trap is neither too weak nor too strong. Here are some tips to help you achieve the optimal focus for optical trapping:
Remember that optimizing the focus for optical trapping can be a delicate balance between particle stability and sufficient Brownian motion for measurements. Be patient and methodical when adjusting the focus and power, and use calibration methods to confirm that your trap is operating at an optimal level.
Regards,
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