Patent ID: 6101200
Filing Date: 2000-08-08
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
A laser module for connection to an external automatic power control (APC) module and an external automatic temperature control module (ATC), the APC module being configured to adjust the laser drive current such that the laser output is locked onto a targeted optical power level, and the ATC module being configured to adjust the operating temperature of the laser such that it reaches a targeted temperature level, said laser module comprising:a semiconductor laser;a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) to effect upward or downward adjustment of the laser's temperature;first terminal means for connecting the thermoelectric cooler to an output of the ATC module;second terminal means for connecting the laser to a drive-current output of the APC module;means for generating an optical power level signal indicative of the optical power level of the laser output;means for generating a wavelength error signal indicative of the wavelength error of the laser output;third terminal means for communicating the optical power level signal to the APC module;means for deriving an apparent temperature level signal from the wavelength error signal; andfourth terminal means for communicating the apparent temperature level signal to the ATC module;such that the wavelength of the laser output is adjusted by varying the temperature of the laser until the apparent temperature level signal indicates that the given temperature level has been reached.