A system and method for VCSEL (vertical cavity surface emitting laser) polarization
control is disclosed, including methods and apparatus comprising a component package
(302, 304) having self-aligning features (316, 318), for indicating
an alignment axis (320, 322), and an upper surface aperture (314)
formed therein, a vertical cavity surface emitting laser device (308) having
two emission polarizations (204) normal to one another, disposed within
the component package and aligned such that each emission polarization is at about
45 degrees with respect to the alignment axis, and a linear polarization element
(400, 402, 406) having a polarization direction (206), spanning the
aperture and disposed such that the polarization direction is parallel to the alignment axis.