A laser apparatus is disclosed combining polarized light beams from two
optical emitters into a combined beam of light with controllable degree
of polarization (DoP). The laser apparatus includes a polarization
combiner for combining the polarized beams into the combined beam, an
optical tap for separating out a portion of the combined beam, and a
photodetector electrically coupled to a laser controller for providing a
feedback signal. The controller distinctively modulates the polarized
radiation of each of the emitters, detects modulation signals in the
photodetector output and adjusts an output power ratio of the optical
emitters for maintaining the DoP of the combined beam at a pre-determined
level. The invention can be used for minimizing the DoP of pump radiation
in Raman and EDFA pump laser modules combining multiple pump laser
diodes.