An optical coupler configured to couple light along a propagation direction is disclosed. The optical coupler includes a lower area. The lower area includes a waveguide including a first end, a second end, and an inversely tapered portion. The optical coupler includes an intermediary area arranged over, in a vertical direction, the lower area. The intermediary area includes two or more intermediary elements. The optical coupler includes an upper area arranged over the intermediary area. The upper area includes one or more upper elements.