Laser assembly and operating method

A laser arrangement comprising:

• a plurality of laser groups, each having at least one semiconductor laser, and
• a plurality of photothyristors so that each of the laser groups is uniquely assigned to one of the photothyristors, wherein
• the photothyristors are electrically connected in series to the associated laser group and/or are integrated into the associated laser group,
• the photothyristors are each optically coupled to the associated laser group, and
• the photothyristors each have a dark breakdown voltage (Ut) which lies above an intended operating voltage (Ub) of the associated laser group,
• the photothyristor and the associated laser group are configured monolithically, and
• the photothyristor and the associated laser group have the same electrical connection for an n side and the same electrical connection for a p side.