Calculation of laser slope efficiency in an optical transceiver module

A method for setting a modulation current for a laser of an optical transmitter, the method comprising:

• sensing data relating to laser transmit power and laser bias current at a plurality of laser bias current levels;
• by a processor, calculating a slope efficiency of the laser using the data;
• by the processor, determining a desired modulation current for the laser using the slope efficiency;
• and
• if needed, modifying the modulation current of the laser to match the desired modulation current.

A method for compensating for a slope efficiency of a laser, the laser forming part of an optical transmitter, the method comprising:

• (a) varying a bias current of the laser to at least two bias current levels;
• (b) sensing analog data relating to transmit power and bias current of the laser for the at least two bias current levels;
• (b) converting the analog data to digital data;
• (c) calculating a slope efficiency of the laser using the digital data;
• (d) determining a desired modulation current for the laser according to the slope efficiency;
• (e) if needed, setting the modulation current for the laser according to the desired modulation current;
• and
• (f) periodically repeating acts (a) through (e).