A device includes a photonic crystal having a plurality of voids disposed in a periodic lattice throughout a dielectric material. Each void is at least partially defined by a surface of the dielectric material. The photonic crystal also includes a waveguide. Gain material is disposed within at least one void located proximate the waveguide. The gain material may emit radiation having a wavelength within a photonic bandgap of the photonic crystal and corresponding to an allowable mode of the waveguide. A method for coupling radiation to a waveguide includes providing a photonic crystal having a plurality of voids disposed in a periodic lattice throughout a dielectric material and a waveguide. Each void is at least partially defined by at least one surface of the dielectric material. Gain material is provided within at least one void located proximate the waveguide and stimulated to emit electromagnetic radiation.