Towards 'smart lasers': self-optimisation of an ultrafast pulse source using a genetic algorithm
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Published version
Author(s)
Woodward, RI
Kelleher, EJR
Type
Journal Article
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.
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.
Date Issued
2016-11-21
Date Acceptance
2016-10-26
Citation
Scientific Reports, 2016, 6
ISSN
2045-2322
Publisher
Nature Publishing Group
Journal / Book Title
Scientific Reports
Volume
6
Copyright Statement
© The Author(s) 2016. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. The images
or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons license,
unless indicated otherwise in the credit line; if the material is not included under the Creative Commons license,
users will need to obtain permission from the license holder to reproduce the material. To view a copy of this
license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons license,
unless indicated otherwise in the credit line; if the material is not included under the Creative Commons license,
users will need to obtain permission from the license holder to reproduce the material. To view a copy of this
license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Sponsor
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
37616