A photocoupler according to the present invention includes: an optical waveguide including a substrate, at least a first dielectric layer provided on the substrate, the first dielectric layer having a tapered structure whose thickness varies in an x-direction in which light is propagated after coupling, and a second dielectric layer provided on the first dielectric layer; a light incidence component provided above the optical waveguide, which causes light incident thereon to be directed toward a surface of the optical waveguide at a prescribed angle; and a bonding section for bonding the light incidence component to the optical waveguide. The bonding section has an edge surface which makes contact with the surface of the waveguide in a straight line and has a portion which makes contact with neither the light incidence component nor the surface of the optical waveguide. The tapered structure of the first dielectric layer has a shape set such that a radiation pattern of light with a wavelength .lambda. output from the optical waveguide of the photocoupler fulfills the following expression:a.sub.n-1 (1-r.sub.n)