Patent ID: 7346092

Claim:
A side pumped Nd:YLF laser comprising: a) a laser cavity formed between a first and a second reflective surface; b) said laser cavity having an optical axis; c) a Q-switch located within the cavity; d) at least one Nd:YLF lasing rod located within said cavity along said optical axis; e) said lasing rod having a length of at least 90 mm; f) diode bars extending along the length of said lasing rod and radially around the periphery of said lasing rod; g) said diode bars having radiation outlets in optical communication with said lasing rod for supplying electromagnetic radiation on pumping paths to said rod; h) said lasing rod receiving a linear power density from said diode bars of less than 50 watts/cm; i) said pumping paths traversing substantially the entire length of said lasing rod substantially perpendicular to the direction of propagation of energy in the laser cavity; j) said pumping paths traversing said lasing rod from at least two directions on substantially intersecting paths; k) said laser capable of producing 30 mj or more per pulse.