Transient wavelength drift reduction in semiconductor lasers

A laser assembly comprising a semiconductor laser and a drive unit for driving the semiconductor laser,

• wherein the semiconductor laser comprises:
• a first semiconductor region for generating or modulating an optical signal in response to a first drive current that is applied to the first semiconductor region;
• a heating region that is arranged in proximity to the first semiconductor region and electrically insulated from the first semiconductor region,
• wherein the drive unit is configured to generate the first drive current and a second drive current, apply the first drive current to the first semiconductor region during respective transmission periods of the semiconductor laser, and apply the second drive current to the heating region in intervals between successive transmission periods.
• wherein the drive unit is configured to generate the first drive current on the basis of an input signal comprising a data signal indicative of data to be transmitted by means of the optical signal;
• and
• wherein the drive unit comprises:
• a drive circuit for generating the first drive current based on the data signal;
• an averaging circuit for generating an envelope of the data signal;
• and
• a pulse generator for generating the second drive current on the basis of the envelope of the data signal.