In the examples provided herein, an apparatus has a mode converter coupled to a first waveguide to convert light propagating in a first set of spatial modes along the first waveguide to a second set of spatial modes. The apparatus also has a second waveguide coupled to the mode converter, where the second set of spatial modes propagate along the second waveguide in a first direction away from the mode converter. Further, the apparatus includes a coupler to couple a portion of the light propagating in the second set of spatial modes out of the second waveguide. Additionally, the second waveguide has an end facet away from the mode converter to reduce back reflection of the light not coupled out of the second waveguide to the first waveguide.