An optical component is disclosed. The optical component includes a tap waveguide
and a primary waveguide positioned on a base. The tap waveguide is configured to
receive a portion of a light signal traveling along the primary waveguide. The
portion of the light signal received by the tap waveguide is the tapped portion
of the light signal. A direction changing region is configured to receive the tapped
portion of the light signal from the tap waveguide and to direct the tapped portion
of the light signal travels away from the base. A light sensor is configured to
receive the tapped portion of the light signal from the direction changing region.
