A vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) includes a first reflector having a first reflectivity; a second reflector having a second reflectivity, where the second reflectivity is less than the first reflectivity; a gain region between the first and second reflectors; and a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, where the first surface is coupled to the second reflector, and where the second surface is formed into a lens to act upon light emitted by the VCSEL through the substrate. The VCSEL lases in a single transverse mode.