Methods and apparatus for a free space coupler to receive light from a laser via air. In one embodiment, a system comprises a laser source, a mirror optically aligned to the laser source, a first mount to control a position of the mirror, a free-space coupler to receive light from the mirror, a beam splitter to receive light exiting the coupler, a first detector to receive light reflected from the beam splitter, a second mount coupled to the first detector and to the coupler to control a position of the coupler from information from the first detector, and a second detector to receive light reflected by the coupler and the mirror, wherein the second detector is coupled to the first mount for positioning the mirror with respect to the coupler.