In one embodiment, an electro-absorption modulator is configured to receive an optical light from an optical light source and outputs a modulated optical signal. The electro-absorption modulator includes a bias voltage that is used to set optimum predetermined modulation performance and an output power of the electro-absorption modulator. A controller is configured to measure a bias current of the optical light source and use a change of the bias current to determine a detuning change that occurs between the electro-absorption modulator and the optical light source. The controller uses the detuning change to automatically control the bias voltage of the electro-absorption modulator to maintain the predetermined modulation performance and maintain the output power of the electro-absorption modulator.