  Recently, optimization techniques have had a significant impact in a variety
of fields, leading to a higher signal-to-noise and more streamlined techniques.
We consider the possibility for using programmable phase-only spatial
optimization of the pump beam to influence the supercontinuum generation
process. Preliminary results show that significant broadening and rough control
of the supercontinuum spectrum are possible without loss of input energy. This
serves as a proof-of-concept demonstration that spatial effects can
controllably influence the supercontinuum spectrum, leading to possibilities
for utilizing supercontinuum power more efficiently and achieving arbitrary
spectral control.
