We discuss the performance of a lightwave coupler utilizing a tapered buffer layer. The coupler with a ridge waveguide is fabricated on a glass substrate and high coupling efficiencies of 75% and 50% are measured for the operations of coupling from the waveguide to a light beam and from the laser beam into the waveguide, respectively. Further, experimental results of the rigid connection between the optical fiber and the waveguide are demonstrated. We also describe how the coupler differs from the conventional tapered guiding-layer coupler.