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

R. I. Woodward*, E. J. R. Kelleher

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

41 Citations (Scopus)
40 Downloads (Pure)

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 nontrivial 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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2952-2955
Number of pages4
JournalOptics Letters
Volume42
Issue number15
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2017
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Copyright the Author(s) 2017. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.

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