Launcher and coupling system to support desired guided wave mode

A coupling module comprising:

• a hollow waveguide that guides a first electromagnetic wave conveying data from a transmitting device;
• a dielectric stub coupler that receives the first electromagnetic wave from the hollow waveguide to form a second electromagnetic wave, that guides the second electromagnetic wave along a portion of the dielectric stub coupler adjacent to a transmission medium, wherein the second electromagnetic wave propagates along the dielectric stub coupler, wherein the second electromagnetic wave has a first guided wave mode and a second guided wave mode, and wherein the portion of the dielectric stub coupler supports a coupling of the second guided wave mode of the second electromagnetic wave for propagation along an outer surface of the transmission medium while suppressing the first guided wave mode of the second electromagnetic wave;
• and
• a reflective surface aligned parallel to the portion of the dielectric stub coupler, wherein the portion of the dielectric stub coupler is between the reflective surface and the transmission medium.