The present invention relates generally to semiconductor lasers and laser scanning systems and, more particularly, to schemes for controlling wavelength in semiconductor lasers. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of minimizing laser wavelength variations in a semiconductor laser is provided. According to the method, one or more of the laser drive currents is configured to comprise a drive portion and a wavelength recovery portion. The wavelength recovery portion of the drive current comprises a recovery amplitude I.sub.R that is distinct from the drive amplitude I.sub.D and a recovery duration t.sub.R that is less than the drive duration t.sub.D. The recovery amplitude I.sub.R and duration t.sub.R are sufficient to recover carrier density distribution distorted by gain compression effects prior to recovery. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.