This disclosure concerns optical packages such as may be used in optical
transceivers and transmitters. In one example, an optical package
includes a header assembly having a base portion to which is attached a
header structure that is split into first and second portions that are
separated from each other by a space. The header structure further
includes one or more electrical leads extending through the base portion
and into one of the first and second portions of the header structure. An
active temperature control device is included in the optical package and
resides in the space between the first and second portions of the header
structure. Finally, an optical element, such as a laser, is provided that
is arranged for thermal communication with the active temperature control
device so that operation of the optical element can be controlled by way
of the active temperature control device.