A device for generating an electrical signal that is a function of the
optical power in an optical fiber. The device is comprised of a support
substrate, a fused, bi-conically-tapered splitter-coupler, and a glass
bead securing an optical fiber extending from the splitter-coupler to the
substrate. An opening in the glass bead forms a gap in the optical fiber.
A light-sensitive device is disposed in the opening to receive light
traveling through the optical fiber from the splitter-coupler.