Tailored supercontinuum generation using genetic algorithm optimized Fourier domain pulse shaping

We report the generation of a spectrally tailored supercontinuum using Fourier-domain pulse shaping of femtosecond pulses injected into a highly nonlinear fiber controlled by a genetic algorithm. User-selectable spectral enhancement is demonstrated over the 1550-2000-nm wavelength range, with the ability to both select a channel with target central wavelength and bandwidth in the range of 1-5 nm. The spectral enhancement factor relative to unshaped input pulses is typically ∼5-20 in the range 1550-1800 nm and increases for longer wavelengths, exceeding a factor of 160 around 2000 nm. We also demonstrate results where the genetic algorithm is applied to the enhancement of up to four spectral channels simultaneously.