Simple LED-Based Lasers: Some low-power laser diodes, often used in simple applications like pointers or indicators, may not require a dedicated driver. However, even in. Precautions required to avoid excessive currents, static electricity and heat generation are detailed and the drive circuits associated with such diodes are described. Multi-GHz transmission bandwidth is possible using readily. Laser diodes are electrically pumped semiconductor lasers in which the gain is generated by an electric current flowing through a p–n junction or (more frequently) a p–i–n structure.