A side-pumped, diode-pumped solid-state laser cavity includes a conductively cooled housing having an opening for pump radiation from a diode array in close proximity to a laser rod. The pump light is absorbed by the rod and excites the laser ions. The cavity includes a thin, diffuse reflector encircling the rod, having a shaped opening for the collection and redirection of the pump light into the rod, and a good heat conductor as the heat sink and heat conductor. A split heat sink inhibits the flow of heat from the pump diodes into the laser rod, and pre-formed air spacings are designed to provide uniform temperature distribution around the laser rod.