A photonic integrated circuit comprises a first waveguide with a first mode of light propagating therein and a second waveguide with a second mode of light propagating therein. The first and second modes of light have different effective indices of refraction. A taper formed in the second waveguide facilitates communication of light between waveguides. Each of the first and second waveguides operate to perform at least one of the generating light, detecting light, and transporting light.