Method for finding and tracking single-mode operation point of external cavity diode lasers

A method comprising the following steps:

• (a) determining if a laser is operating in a single-mode state, the laser having a laser current and an output light having a wavelength;
• and
• (b) if the laser is determined to not be operating in a single-mode state in step (a), determining the degree to which one of one or more tunable parameters for the laser must be adjusted so that the laser operates in a single-mode state if not operating in a single-mode state, wherein the one or more tunable parameters include the following parameters:
• the laser current and the wavelength of the output light.

An apparatus comprising:

• a holographic storage medium for recording holograms using a tunable laser having a laser current and an output light having a wavelength;
• and
• a processor for determining if the laser is operating in a single-mode state and for determining the degree to which one of one or more tunable parameters for the laser must be adjusted so that laser operates in a single-mode state if not operating in a single-mode state, wherein the one or more tunable parameters include the following parameters:
• the laser current and the wavelength of the output light.