Abstract: A package for a high power semiconductor laser comprising a hermetically sealed container filled with a dry gaseous medium containing oxygen. The presence of oxygen in the laser atmosphere is counter to standard practice in the art which teaches the use of an atmosphere of a dry inert gas. The package also includes a getter for organic impurities, e.g., a getter composed of a porous silica or a zeolite. The hydrogen content of the materials used to form the package are reduced by baking at an elevated temperature for an extended period of time, e.g., at 150.degree. C. for 200 hours.