Optical waveguides with power monitoring or optical detection capabilities are disclosed. The waveguide includes a lower cladding, a core disposed on the lower cladding, an upper cladding disposed on the core and a trench extending transversely through a distal end of the lower cladding, core and upper cladding. The trench includes a distal wall that provides a reflective surface disposed at an angle relative to the end of the core of greater than 90. A detector is disposed above the trench for receiving a reflected light beam off of the reflective surface. Various methods of manufacturing these devices are also disclosed.