An optical system that includes an analog laser transmitter having a burst operative mode is disclosed. The system further includes a power controller that is configured to place the analog laser transmitter in the burst operative mode when a digital enable signal is provided to the power controller. The power controller comprises a reference voltage source, a ground node, and an input selector switch that is configured to select the reference voltage source when the digital enable signal is asserted, and alternatively, to select the ground node when the digital enable signal is de-asserted.