According to the present invention, a monolithically integrated laser 102, also referred to herein as a U-laser 102, or integrated dual optical emission laser 102, having a first optical emission 104 and a second optical emission 106 where both the first and second optical emissions 104, 106 of the monolithically integrated laser 102 are in optical communication with a modulator 108 or other device is provided. The integrated dual emission laser 102 can be formed with a light bending portion 134 in variety of configurations including a waveguide in the form of a U-shape, or total internal reflection (TIR) mirrors, curved waveguides, and free-space etched gap mirrors. The integrated dual optical emission laser 102 can also have two laser gain sections 130, 148, one on each arm of the laser 102 to control gain.