a method of operating a digitally modulated solid state laser is disclosed . the laser is optically pumped by a current - supply driven diode - laser radiation and with output - power stabilized at a desired value by a light regulator cooperative with a power monitor and the current source is disclosed . when the laser is turned on , the current - source is enabled and the light - regulator is disabled . a current regulator allows current from the current - supply to increase until the monitored power reaches the desired value . at this point , the light regulator is enabled and the light regulator assumes control of the current - supply for maintaining the output - power at the desired level .