Patent ID: 6870863
Filing Date: 2005-03-22
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
1. A method of controlling a laser module in a wavelength division multiplexing application, the module including temperature control means for controlling a temperature of a laser and a variable attenuation attenuator connected to an output of the laser for controlling power of radiation output from the module, the method comprising the steps of, in the order given: (a) before applying a laser current to operate the lase module, establishing a predetermined laser temperature using the temperature control means, and setting the attenuator to a maximum attenuation; (b) applying the laser current having a value which produces a nominal desired wavelength, and controlling the laser current to give a wavelength of operation substantially equal to the desired wavelength; and (c) reducing the maximum attenuation of the attenuator to a level to give a predetermined output power from the laser module.