An optical coupling system includes a tapered coupling element having a first end opposite a second end, a core having a core diameter that is larger at the first end than at the second end, and a cladding layer that is coupled to and circumscribes the core. An optical pathway is disposed within the core and that extends between the first end and the second end. The tapered coupling element is tapered from the first end to the second end such that the core diameter adiabatically transitions a light beam traveling along the optical pathway from a first beam size at the first end to a second beam size at the second end.