Methods are disclosed for producing a tunable vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) using photonic crystals and an electrostrictive material that includes a hologram with a narrow filter function. Photonic crystals are formed such that the active region of the VCSEL is bounded by the photonic crystals. The photonic crystals have a periodic cavity structure that reflects light of certain wavelengths through the active region of the VCSEL such that laser light at the wavelengths is generated. The periodic cavity structure includes a central defect that does not include any cavities. The single mode is emitted through the central defect. The electrostrictive material that includes a hologram makes the VCSEL tunable because the shape of the electrostrictive material changes when an electric field is applied. The filter function of the hologram thus changes as well in response to the electric field such that the VCSEL is tunable.