Genetic algorithm-based control of birefringent filtering for self-tuning, self-pulsing fiber lasers

R. I. Woodward; E. J. R. Kelleher

doi:10.1364/ol.42.002952

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arXiv · 1702.06372

Genetic algorithm-based control of birefringent filtering for self-tuning, self-pulsing fiber lasers

R. I. Woodward·E. J. R. Kelleher

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Abstract

Polarization-based filtering in fiber lasers is well-known to enable spectral tunability and a wide range of dynamical operating states. This effect is rarely exploited in practical systems, however, because optimization of cavity parameters is non-trivial and evolves due to environmental sensitivity. Here, we report a genetic algorithm-based approach, utilizing electronic control of the cavity transfer function, to autonomously achieve broad wavelength tuning and the generation of Q-switched pulses with variable repetition rate and duration. The practicalities and limitations of simultaneous spectral and temporal self-tuning from a simple fiber laser are discussed, paving the way to on-demand laser properties through algorithmic control and machine learning schemes.

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R. I. Woodward, E. J. R. Kelleher. 2017-06-13. Genetic algorithm-based control of birefringent filtering for self-tuning, self-pulsing fiber lasers. https://doi.org/10.1364/ol.42.002952

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