Abstract: A method of producing a PLC based optical component comprising: defining a waveguide; etching a notch thereby defining a facet of the waveguide; and cutting a trench in front of the notch, the cutting being accomplished subsequent to the etching, whereby at least a portion of the trench is displaced from the facet by the notch. The invention also provides for a PLC based optical component comprising: a substrate; a waveguide deposited above the substrate, the waveguide exhibiting a facet; a notch etched in front of the facet of the waveguide; and a trench cut in front of the notch.