A laser device includes a laser rod; a radial array of diode laser pumping devices, wherein each diode laser has a solid connection to the laser rod to maximize laser energy transfer. The diode laser radial array is serially connected via coatings and/or fingers and/or spheres. Cooling of the laser rod and the diode laser radial array is accomplished via a common fluid channel outside the laser rod, wherein a cooling fluid flows past the laser rod and the diode laser radial array. Innovative methods for creating the coating embodiments are disclosed. Various flat diode laser embodiment are also disclosed.