Abstract: A side-pumped, diode-pumped solid state laser device includes an elongated housing having an elongated cavity defined therein and further having an elongated opening defined between the cavity and the exterior of the housing. A solid state rod is disposed within the cavity and is preferably surrounded by a cooling fluid. A cover seal sealably covering the opening and thereby encloses the cavity. The cover seal is formed of a material that is at least substantially transparent to pumping radiation at a predetermined pumping wavelength. A diode array emits the pumping radiation that traverses the cover seal and the opening to be absorbed by the rod to excite laser active species within the rod. The laser device further includes a resonator including the rod disposed therein for generating a laser beam.