Patent ID: 6292497
Filing Date: 2001-09-18
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
A laser diode driving method, comprising the steps of:storing bias current and pulse current values for a laser diode at a plurality of temperatures, said values selected to maintain a constant optical output and extinction ratio of said laser diode at each of said temperatures;detecting an ambient temperature;adjusting, in accordance with an automatic power control circuit, a bias current set about a light emission threshold current of said laser diode, and a pulse current for causing the laser diode to emit light, said adjusting step including determining said bias current and said pulse current based on the bias current and pulse current values stored in said memory at said detected ambient temperature; anddriving the laser diode by a current prepared by superposing the bias current and the pulse current, thereby controlling an optical output and extinction ratio of the laser diode at a constant level.