A high average power, low optical distortion laser gain media is based on a flowing
liquid media. A diode laser pumping device with tailored irradiance excites the
laser active atom, ion or molecule within the liquid media. A laser active component
of the liquid media exhibits energy storage times longer than or comparable to
the thermal optical response time of the liquid. A circulation system that provides
a closed loop for mixing and circulating the lasing liquid into and out of the
optical cavity includes a pump, a diffuser, and a heat exchanger. A liquid flow
gain cell includes flow straighteners and flow channel compression.
