An example embodiment includes an optical transmission device. The optical transmission device includes an optical source, a collimator lens, and an optical monitor. The optical source is configured to transmit a channel of light. The collimator lens is configured to reflect a portion of the channel of light. The optical monitor is arranged to receive at least a first portion of the reflected channel of light directly from the collimator lens, and is configured to communicate a gross electrical signal representative of received light including the first portion of the reflected channel of light.