In one embodiment, an optical splitter/coupler may be created by i) providing an optical waveguide having a first waveguide channel core, ii) forming an angular trench at an end of the first waveguide channel core, the angular trench establishing first and second facets within the first waveguide channel core, and iii) mirroring the first and second facets, wherein the mirrored first and second facets are configured to provide optical reflection into and/or from respective second and third waveguide channel cores located at correspondingly opposing sides of the first waveguide channel core.