Genetic optimization of bandwidth in optical frequency combs

We present the experimental demonstration of dynamic control and optimization of phase-matching in cascaded four-wave mixing (CFWM) via an optimization algorithm. Utilizing a dual-oscillator power amplifier with a spatial-light-modulator (SLM) based dispersion controller to manipulate up to 5th-order dispersion, we selectively generate as few as 10 to as many as 167 comb lines (a bandwidth range of 29 nm to > 530 nm), with 404 GHz spacing between comb lines. This is achieved by select ing desired fitness functions for our genetic algorithm (e.g. minimum bandwidth or maximum bandwidth), and using a computer feedback system to select and evolve phase profiles over many generations towards the desired spectral output.