A new class of lasers is provided that can be pumped by conventional high-power, multi-mode, broadband 1-D and 2-D laser diode arrays with spectral widths greater than 0.01 nm, where the pumped laser gain medium comprises an atomic vapor of one the alkali elements (Li, Na, K, Rb or Cs), buffered with a mixture of rare-gas (He, Ar, Kr, Ne or Xe) and selected molecular gases. The alkali atom gain medium is pumped at a wavelength matching the wavelength of the .sup.2S.sub.1/2 .sup.2P.sub.3/2 electric-dipole-allowed transition (the D.sub.2 transition). After kinetic relaxation of pump excitation to the excited .sup.2P.sub.1/2 electronic level, laser emission takes place on the .sup.2P.sub.1/2 .sup.2S.sub.1/2 transition (the D.sub.1 transition).