Integrated optical device

A method of forming an integrated optical device, comprising:

• forming a light conductive material layer separated from a substrate by a first light confining layer;
• etching a trench through the light conductive material layer to the first light confining layer to define a triangular, wedge-shape portion in the light conductive material layer;
• filling said trench with a light confining material;
• increasing the thickness of the light conductive material layer over said triangular, wedge-shape portion;
• and
• forming a rib waveguide in the light conductive material layer optically coupled with said triangular, wedge-shape portion of the light conductive material layer.

An integrated optical device, comprising:

• a substrate;
• a first light confining layer on said substrate;
• a light conductive material layer separated from the substrate by the first light confining layer;
• a trench formed through the light conductive material layer to the first light confining layer defining a triangular, wedge-shape portion of light conductive material within the trench;
• a light confining material within said trench between the triangular, wedge-shape portion and a remaining section of the light conductive material layer;
• and
• a rib waveguide provided over the triangular, wedge-shape portion such that a lower portion of the rib waveguide is optically coupled with said triangular, wedge-shape potion of the light conductive material layer, wherein the trench and the light conductive material layer are substantially the same height.