Beam splitting for laser power monitoring in molded optical coupling units

An assembly comprising:

• an optical module including 1) a beam steering portion, 2) a first side defining an inner surface that faces the beam steering portion, and 3) a second side defining an inner surface adjacent to the inner surface of the first side, the inner surface of the second side facing the beam steering portion,
• wherein the optical module is configured to:
• direct an initial light beam from the first side to the beam steering portion along a first direction;
• divide the initial light beam into a signal light beam and a fractional light beam;
• direct the signal light beam toward the second side;
• and
• direct the fractional light beam toward the first side along the first direction such the fractional light beam at or near the first side is spaced from the initial light beam at or near the first side along a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction;
• a first light source configured to emit the initial light beam toward the first side;
• and
• a first detector spaced from the first light source along the second direction, the first detector configured to receive the fractional light beam.

A method of manufacturing an optical module including a beam steering portion, the method comprising:

• forming a first transparent portion having a first index of refraction such that the first transparent portion includes a 1) first side defining an inner surface that faces the beam steering portion, and 2) a second side defining an inner surface adjacent to the inner surface of the first side, the inner surface of the second side facing the beam steering portion;
• forming a second transparent portion having a second index of refraction;
• and
• attaching the first transparent portion to the second transparent portion at a contact surface to define the beam steering portion.