An optical transmitter includes: a modulator, square law detector, and a processor. The modulator generates an optical signal indicating transmission data. The square law detector detects an intensity of the optical signal using a photodetector and output first intensity data indicating the detected intensity. The processor calculates, based on the transmission data, an electric field of the optical signal generated by the modulator by using parameters pertaining to a state of the modulator. The processor calculates second intensity data indicating the intensity of the optical signal based on the calculated electric field. The processor updates the parameters so as to reduce a difference between the first intensity data and the second intensity data. The processor controls the state of the modulator based on the parameters.