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