A structure or PIC structure includes a hybrid plasmonic (HP) waveguide. The HP waveguide includes a waveguide core, and a metal silicide layer contacting the waveguide core. The metal silicide layer replaces noble metals typically provided in hybrid plasmonic waveguides, providing improved optical signal containment characteristics. The metal silicide layer is also compatible with CMOS fabrication techniques, and capable of additional scaling with other CMOS structures. The HP waveguide also has a reduce form factor compared to conventional HP waveguides, providing room for more waveguides closer together.