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

## TL;DR

This paper presents a genetic algorithm approach to autonomously tune fiber laser properties, enabling spectral and temporal self-tuning for practical, on-demand laser applications.

## Contribution

It introduces a genetic algorithm-based method for self-tuning fiber lasers, combining spectral and temporal control through electronic cavity adjustments.

## Key findings

- Achieved broad wavelength tuning in fiber lasers.
- Generated Q-switched pulses with variable repetition rate.
- Demonstrated autonomous, algorithmic control of laser properties.

## 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.