A method comprises: receiving a RF signal; providing a RF signal level; varying a laser power DC set point linearly with the RF signal level over a selected range; and modulating with the RF signal laser output power about the DC set point. The RF signal level can be RF signal amplitude or RF signal power. An apparatus comprises: a laser; a RF detector adapted to receive the RF signal and to provide the RF signal level; a laser power control circuit coupled to the RF detector and to the laser and adapted to vary the laser power DC set point substantially linearly with respect to the RF signal level over a selected range; and a laser modulator coupled to the laser and adapted to receive the RF signal and to modulate therewith laser output power about the DC set point.