The present invention relates to relates generally to semiconductor lasers and, more particularly, to schemes for measuring and controlling the temperature of semiconductor lasers and schemes for wavelength stabilization of semiconductor lasers. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of driving a temperature control mechanism in a semiconductor laser is provided. According to the method, signals representing an operating temperature of the semiconductor laser and ambient temperature are generated and a target laser operating temperature that is a function of the ambient temperature signal is established. A temperature control mechanism of the semiconductor laser is then driven to increase a degree of correlation between the operating temperature signal and the target laser operating temperature. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.