Multiple One-Dimensional Search (MODS) algorithm for fast optimization of laser–matter interaction by phase-only fs-laser pulse shaping

Abstract In this work, we have developed and implemented a powerful search strategy for optimization of nonlinear optical effects by means of femtosecond pulse shaping, based on topological concepts derived from quantum control theory. Our algorithm [Multiple One-Dimensional Search (MODS)] is based on deterministic optimization of a single solution rather than pseudo-random optimization of entire populations as done by commonly used evolutionary algorithms. We have tested MODS against a genetic algorithm in a nontrivial problem consisting in optimizing the Kerr gating signal (self-interaction) of a shaped laser pulse in a detuned Michelson interferometer configuration. The obtained results show that our search method (MODS) strongly outperforms the genetic algorithm in terms of both convergence speed and quality of the solution. These findings demonstrate the applicability of concepts of quantum control theory to nonlinear laser–matter interaction problems, even in the presence of significant experimental noise.

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