Patent ID: 7180921
Filing Date: 2007-02-20
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
1. A laser diode circuit comprising: at least one laser diode: a driver circuit comprising a current source that generates a substantially constant source current, the driver circuit being configured and arranged to provide a drive current through the at least one laser diode that does not substantially exceed the substantially constant source current regardless of changes in an impedance of the at least one laser diode; an indicator device configured and arranged to monitor an operational parameter of the at least one laser diode, and to generate an indicator signal indicative of whether an anomaly in the operational parameter has been detected; and a transient snubber device, coupled to the at least one laser diode, having at least first, second and third terminals, the first terminal being coupled to the indicator device to receive the indicator signal therefrom, the transient snubber device being configured and arranged such that, in response to the indicator signal provided on the first terminal indicating that an anomaly in the operational parameter has been detected, an impedance between the second and third terminals is altered so that the transient snubber device is caused to limit the drive current that is provided to the at least one laser diode.