At least one light source is configured to emit at least one beam into a sample volume of an absorbing medium. In addition, at least one detector is positioned to detect at least a portion of the beam emitted by the at least one light source. Further, at least one beam modification element is positioned between the at least one detector and the at least one light source to selectively change at least one of (i) a power intensity of, or (ii) a shape of the beam emitted by the at least one light source as detected by the at least one detector. A control circuit is coupled to the beam modification element. Related apparatus methods, articles of manufacture, systems, and the like are described.