Analysis of a nonfeedback technique for transient steering in class-B lasers

We present experimental results that show how the height of the turn-on peak of a class-B laser can be controlled by an appropriate modulation of the shape of the turn-on pulse. At the same time, the turn-on delay is reduced and continues to decrease even after a minimum peak height has been reached and starts to grow again. A physical interpretation is offered on the basis of an approximate analysis of turn-on in a class-B laser, and of numerical simulations, which very clearly illustrate the mechanisms that play a crucial role in the laser transient.