Versatile, compact, TEM(00)-mode resonator for side-pumped single-rod solid-state lasers.

We propose the use of an auxiliary lens or mirror to design a compact dynamically stable resonator for single-rod lasers. It was found that an intracavity divergent element (divergent lens or convex mirror) is suitable for obtaining a large TEM(00)-mode volume, whereas a convergent one renders the resonator insensitive to mechanical misalignment. A reliable and compact dynamically stable resonator can be designed conveniently by use of such characteristics. Both three- and four-element resonators were designed and tested with a laser-diode side-pumped Nd:YAG laser.