title: Towards 'smart lasers': self-optimisation of an ultrafast pulse source using a genetic algorithm.
abstract: Short-pulse fibre lasers are a complex dynamical system possessing a broad space of operating states that can be accessed through control of cavity parameters. Determination of target regimes is a multi-parameter global optimisation problem. Here, we report the implementation of a genetic algorithm to intelligently locate optimum parameters for stable single-pulse mode- locking in a Figure-8 fibre laser, and fully automate the system turn-on procedure. Stable ultrashort pulses are repeatably achieved by employing a compound fitness function that monitors both temporal and spectral output properties of the laser. Our method of encoding photonics expertise into an algorithm and applying machine-learning principles paves the way to self-optimising 'smart' optical technologies.
authors.affiliation: Femtosecond Optics Group, Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: R I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Woodward
authors.affiliation: Femtosecond Optics Group, Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: E J R
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Kelleher
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers