A VCSEL waveguide grating coupler is provided such that a first and second mirror are positioned to define a resonant cavity between them. The waveguide grating coupler further includes a waveguide having a first grating formed as a part of the waveguide to couple light of a first polarization mode into the waveguide. A second grating is formed on the waveguide grating coupler and is orthogonal to the first grating. The second grating is operative to enhance the light coupled to the waveguide by creating a loss difference between light of the first polarization mode and light of a second polarization mode, so that light of the first polarization mode lases preferentially within the VCSEL.