We demonstrate a novel concept for a mode selection mechanism in surface emitting laser diodes. This concept is based on a strong coupling process between the laser mode and a surface mode on top of the laser diode. The mode selection mechanism is the result of a strong feedback from the surface mode into the laser diode. Nearly single‐modelike emission spectra are achieved from surface emitting GaAs/AlGaAs laser diodes and qualitatively explained by a model based on ray optics. The main advantage of this type of laser diode is its simple fabrication and the possibility of adjusting the desired wavelength independent of the growth process by external technological parameters. ©1995 American Institute of Physics.