Method for fast and efficient fiber tapering

The present disclosure relates to a method of forming a tapered optical fiber, where the optical fiber has a cladding encasing a core and has an initial outer diameter. The method involves applying opposing forces to spaced apart sections of the optical fiber. The spaced apart sections define a length portion representing a waist region. While applying the opposing forces, simultaneously applying heat to the waist region to gradually produce a taper of the optical fiber within the waist region. The taper has a first diameter at a midpoint of the waist region which is less than the initial outer diameter. An etch operation is then performed by chemically etching at least a subportion of the waist region of the optical fiber to reduce the subportion to a second diameter which is less than the first diameter.