- Joined
- Sep 20, 2013
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Yes, you can set up a voltage regulator to adjust the current to a laser diode because it is a nonlinear device and as long as you have reached the lasing threshold, any increase in the output will "look" like an increase in current. The problem arises when the diode heats up and the effect resistance decreases. This acts like using fewer diodes in your dummy load and the current will increase. This will then lead to further heating with more current increases and.... thermal runaway.