Coaxial coupler with integrated source/ring detector

The invention features an optical two-way transmission-receiver communications system utilizing a coaxial coupler having a ring waveguide and a core waveguide. A surface of an integrated source/ring detector substrate is positioned adjacent said coaxial coupler endface. A ring detector on the substrate, which receives light transmissions from the ring waveguide, has an annular opening therein. A light source disposed on the substrate within the annular opening in the ring detector directs light transmissions to the core waveguide of the coaxial coupler. An alignment device positions the substrate with respect to the coaxial coupler so that the light source and detector are respectively aligned with the coaxial coupler core and ring waveguides.