A method comprises receiving, at a plurality of optical distributors of a photonic chip, optical energy from a plurality of primary laser sources. Each of the optical distributors receives optical energy from a respective primary laser source at a respective first input. The method further comprises detecting a failed primary laser source of the primary laser sources using control circuitry of a sparing system. The sparing system further comprises one or more secondary laser sources configured to provide optical energy to respective second inputs of the optical distributors. A first one of the secondary laser sources is optically coupled with at least two of the optical distributors. The method further comprises controlling, using the control circuitry, a first one of the secondary laser sources to selectively provide optical energy to the optical distributor whose first input is optically coupled with the failed primary laser source.