Electrical schematics drawing software

[Doddy]

Instead of making this PCB, you surely could have used a smaller series resistor for the LED a lower value, as the issue is just the low duty cycle? LEDs are fine with pulses of higher current, so long as the output is never stuck on...

I normally read everything you write, Jonathan, with considerable interest and intent to learn; however, the above is not sound advice : Most designs would work on a I_F=10-20mA with an I_F(max) of 30mA or so - and so limited ability to increase the current (and therefore the emitted optical energy) within the constraints of the device; some (though by no means all) manufacture's datasheets will provide a peak I_F rating given explicit constraints (e.g. 100mA at <10% duty-cycle with a pulse-width < 1ms), unless the OP is designing within the limits of the LED datasheet then exceeding the maximum rating of the device will, in all probability, reduce the reliability of the device and result in premature failure. You're also suggesting something that would cause significant current spikes on the driving system, which at reasonably high frequencies could cause EMC issues and possibly problems with the drive system. It's a design, designed to fail.

What the OP did with the pulse-stretcher is a well-engineered solution to his problem (though I'd do it differently!)