A monolithic laser configuration has a substrate, a laser diode disposed on the substrate for generating a light beam, a photodetector disposed on the substrate in the path of the light beam for receiving at least one part of the light beam, and a deflection device disposed on the substrate for deflecting the light beam substantially perpendicularly to the substrate surface. The monolithic laser configuration can advantageously be used in a coupling module with a plastic SMT housing of a standard configuration, it being possible to produce the optical access through an opening in the leadframe of the coupling module.