Abstract: A laser calibration apparatus and method first calibrates a maximum laser power level. Then lesser laser power levels are calibrated. A separate calibration pattern is used for calibrating each of the laser power levels. The calibration patterns used for the lesser laser power levels include the calibrated maximum laser power level. Such inclusion established a fixed relationship between the maximum laser power level and all of the lesser laser power levels. The calibration is performed on an optical disk, preferably of the magneto optical type. The calibrated laser power levels are then used to record pulse-width modulated signals.

Abstract: An optical disk recorder employs laser drive signals having diverse current or power levels. A scaling digital-analog-converter (DAC) supplies a scaled reference signal to a plurality of scaled DACs. The scaled DACs supply the diverse laser drive signals. Calibrating the scaling DAC calibrates the scaled DACs. A base array of DACs include not only the scaling DAC but a plurality of base array DACs. Such base array DACs control reading operations as well as supplying a threshold current. The threshold current is that laser drive signal current level below which laser 25 does not emit a laser beam. During writing, the CUT current is added to the laser drive currents supplied by the scaled DACs. A desired CUT current is determined by calculating a slope of the laser drive current to emission of radiation. Then the slope is extrapolated to a zero emission point below which no coherent emission of radiation occurs.