Micro Genetic Algorithms in finding the optimal frequency for stabilizing atoms by high-intensity laser fields

The goal of this paper is to explore the power of genetic algorithms, in particular the so called micro genetic algorithms, to solve a challenging problem in experimental physics. The problem is to find an optimum frequency to stabilize atoms by high-intensity laser fields. The standard approach to search for optimal laser parameters has been by trial and error. This is the first known application of a genetic algorithm technique to model atomic stabilization. The micro genetic algorithm worked exceptionally well for this problem as a way to automate the search in a time efficient manner. A parallel platform is used to perform the genetic search efficiently. Locating the best frequency to achieve a supression of ionization, which is predicted to occur at high intensities, can help design a laboratory experiment and tune to that frequency in order to identify a stabilization effect. The micro genetic algorithm did successfully identify this optimum frequency. It is indeed possible to extend the number of unknown tunable laser parameters, beyond searching merely over frequency space. For instance, optimal pulse shape and pulse duration can also be included. While conducting such a search in multi-dimensional parameter space, parallel genetic algorithms can offer a profound advantage to the tedious trial and error procedures.