A hybrid waveguide based on simultaneous propagation of photonic crystal (PC) and total internal reflection confined optical modes is introduced for a scheme to uniformly pump waveguide optical amplifiers (WOAs). Planar one-dimensional PC structures were deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition and characterized by reflectivity as a function of angle, confirming the existence of PC defect states. Two design trade-offs, angular acceptance and critical coupling, are modeled to demonstrate optimization of optically pumped gain within the PC defect state. The advantage of uniform pumping on the WOA gain profile is briefly discussed.