Abstract: A laser apparatus and method is disclosed comprising a first lasant material which is located in an optical cavity and which produces laser radiation of a first wavelength, and a second lasant material which is pumped by radiation from the first lasant material, which absorbs laser radiation at the first wavelength in an amount generally comparable to the Optimum Output Coupling, which functions as the output coupler for the optical cavity and which lases at a second wavelength. The first lasant material and the second lasant material are preferably selected to have minimal losses such that there is a net gain in the cavity.