Techniques are provided to reduce the form factor of laser-based systems by multi-purposing a photodiode used to help control the output of a laser. A reflective photodiode comprises a light receiving surface and a reflective coating. The light receiving surface is configured to absorb some incident light and to convert it into electrical current. The reflective coating is disposed on the light receiving surface and is configured to reflect some of the incident light away from the light receiving surface. The reflective coating also permits some of the incoming light to pass therethrough for absorption.