  Efficient optical quantum memories are a milestone required for several
quantum technologies including repeater-based quantum key distribution and
on-demand multi-photon generation. We present an efficiency optimization of an
optical electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) memory experiment in a
warm cesium vapor using a genetic algorithm and analyze the resulting
waveforms. The control pulse is represented either as a Gaussian or free-form
pulse, and the results from the optimization are compared. We see an
improvement factor of 3(7)\% when using optimized free-form pulses. By limiting
the allowed pulse energy in a solution, we show an energy-based optimization
giving a 30% reduction in energy, with minimal efficiency loss.
