A VCSEL can include a graphene intra-cavity absorber having at least one graphene region and at least one dielectric region adjacent to the graphene region. The VCSEL can also include a graphene electrode electronically coupled with at least one graphene region. The VCSEL can also include a contact region adjacent with at least one dielectric region. The VCSEL can also include a contact electrode electronically coupled with the contact region. The VCSEL can also include a base electrode electronically coupled with a base of a semiconductor region of the VCSEL. The graphene intra-cavity absorber can include at least two graphene regions sandwiching at least one dielectric region therebetween.