Abstract: The present invention includes a device and a method for fabricating a device that is an optical power mode transformer that accepts light in a mode transformation direction where the transformer is attached to or embedded in a semiconductor microchip and includes a first single or multimode optical input (SM) waveguide including a first core surrounded by a cladding, and, a second high contrast index grade (HC) waveguide including a second core having a tapered region and surrounded by said cladding, a portion of the tapered region of the core being embedded within the first optical input waveguide region with an embedded length sufficient for efficient light transfer from the first input waveguide to the said second waveguide wherein the embedded portion of the tapered region is fully surrounded by the first input waveguide along an axial and radial cross-section of the second waveguide in the mode transformation direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for enhanced monitoring of optical signal characteristics of an optical signal propagating in a signal channel of a photonic integrated circuit. The optical signal characteristics can be obtained with minimal signal loss in the optical signal path and reduced RF crosstalk, while the electrostatic discharge threshold for the photonic integrated circuit is increased, due to the inclusion of a second electro-optic element electrically coupled to a first electro-optic element as part of the signal channel.