Abstract: Some embodiments may include a fiber laser having an input end to receive source light from a light source and an output end including: a feeding optic fiber including a cladding layer and an interior surrounded by the cladding layer, wherein the interior emits a beam at an end of the feeding optic and the cladding layer receives process light at the end of the feeding optic, the process light generated by processing of a workpiece by the beam; and a notch or other discontinuity in an outer surface of a side of the cladding layer, the surface discontinuity to release a portion of the process light, the apparatus further comprising: a collection optic fiber having a first end to capture a sample of the released process light and a second end to provide the captured sample to a sensor. Other embodiments may be disclosed and/or claimed.