We developed a polarization-controlled, single-transverse-mode, photonic-crystal, vertical-cavity, surface-emitting laser (PC-VCSEL) by introducing elliptical air holes in the top mirror. The polarization-controlled PC-VCSELs show polarization extinction ratios of over 29 dB. The origin of the polarization stability is explained by the asymmetric polarization mode profile and the asymmetric current injection profile. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.