Abstract: A total internal reflection, face pumped laser is provided, in a single head, with two (or more) generally parallel, spaced apart hosts for providing a higher average power output than the typical single host FPL. A pair of flash lamps, one each adjacent the outer surface of each host, acts as the "pumping" means for the laser and operates in effect to produce asymmetrical pumping of the respective hosts. In order to prevent exceeding the thermal stress limit and thermally inducing bending of the hosts, a system of asymmetrical cooling is provided whereby a greater flow of fluid coolant is provided the surfaces of the two hosts which are closer to the "pumping" flash lamps than to the inner host surfaces which are proximate one another.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for mounting a slab of laser host material in a face pumped laser is provided which is operable to isolate the host from flexing caused by differential thermal expansion of the laser housing relative to the host mounting members. First and second stainless steel pedestals are respectively secured to the aluminum housing and first and second elongated, stainless steel rail support members are pivotally secured, respectively, through a pair of flex pivots each, to the first and second pedestals for isolating the support members from flexure of the pedestals. The host is secured between and to the rail support members by bonding with an RTV compound. In the preferred embodiment, one of the rail support members is provided with a diaphragm on one of its sides along the entire length thereof, to which is bonded one of the sides of the host, thus providing further isolation of the host from stresses caused by thermal expansion.