A semiconductor laser with an integrated attenuator on the same chip as the laser. In some embodiments the attenuator is formed of the same material as the laser, but without a grating in the attenuator. In some embodiments the laser and attenuator are fabricated concurrently, with the attenuator positioned at the front of the laser and differing from the laser only in not having a grating and having a much smaller length. Level of attenuation by the attenuator is adjustable based on drawing photogenerated current from the attenuator.