The present invention provides an apparatus and method for operation therefore. The apparatus, in one embodiment, includes an optical coupling structure disposed within a cladding region, wherein the optical coupling structure includes a first guiding portion and a second guiding portion. In this embodiment the first guiding portion has a first end proximate a core of a planar waveguide, and a second end proximate the second guiding portion and having a first thickness. Moreover, in this embodiment the second guiding portion has a first end proximate the first guiding portion and a second end, the second end of the second guiding portion having a second thickness less than the first thickness.