An optical microresonator coupling system includes an optical source waveguide through which light travels. A microcylinder is positioned adjacent the optical source guide and has a resonant waveguide formed as spaced resonant elements, such as circumferential ridges and a diffractive coating thereon that optically couples light from the optical source guide onto the microcylinder. An optical exit waveguide is positioned adjacent the microcylinder and spaced from the optical source waveguide for coupling light from the microcylinder into the optical exit waveguide.