Performance requirements for systems employing optical guided wave components may be satisfied more easily through the hybrid integration of nonlinear optical (NLO) polymers and semiconductors. Reported in this letter, is the integration of NLO polymer waveguides with InGaAsp‐i‐nphotodetectors at 1.3 &mgr;m, with coupling efficiencies greater than 99% and system responsivities of 0.84 A/W. An analysis of the structure using a two‐dimensional beam propagation model was performed. Planarization was maintained and the design allows for further integration of optoelectronic components. ©1996 American Institute of Physics.