Devices and methods are described herein to measure optical power in scanning laser projectors. In general, the devices and methods utilize a polarizing component and photodiode to measure optical power being generated by at least one laser light source. The polarizing component is configured to polarize at least a portion of the laser beam in a way that improves the accuracy and consistency of this optical power measurement. Specifically, the polarizing component filters at least a portion of the laser beam for one polarization state in a way that facilitates improved reliability in the amount of laser light directed into the photodiode.