A thorough study on genetic algorithms in feedback-based wavefront shaping

Feedback-based wavefront shaping focuses light through scattering media by employing phase optimization algorithms. Genetic algorithms (GAs), inspired by the process of natural selection, are well suited for phase optimization in wavefront shaping problems. In 2012, Conkey et al. first introduced a GA into feedback-based wavefront shaping to find the optimum phase map. Since then, due to its superior performance in noisy environment, the GA has been widely adopted by lots of implementations. However, there have been limited studies discussing and optimizing the detailed procedures of the GA. To fill this blank, in this study, we performed a thorough study on the performance of the GA for focusing light through scattering media. Using numerical tools, we evaluated certain procedures that can be potentially improved and provided guidance on how to choose certain parameters appropriately. This study is beneficial in improving the performance of wavefront shaping systems with GAs.