The present invention relates to an apparatus for damping arid monitoring emissions from a light emitting device, particularly a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), comprising: a semi transparent substrate, preferably glass; a light emitting device for generating light emission; a damping layer deposited on a surface of the substrate; and a pair of electrodes, each of which being in direct contact with the damping layer. The damping layer is adapted to decrease the power level of the light emission of the light emitting device by absorption, to a desired level, for instance, to a level that meets eye safety limits. In addition, the damping layer is photosensitive to the light emission of the light emitting device, thereby allowing the pair of electrodes to output an electric signal corresponding to the power level of the light emission of the light emitting device.