A corner-pumping method for slab laser and a solid-state laser gain module are disclosed. In one embodiment, said method comprises directing a pump light into a laser slab through slab corners of said laser slab; propagating the pump light within the laser slab by total internal reflection (TIR); and substantially absorbing the pump light during propagating. In another embodiment, said gain module comprises a laser slab formed by a solid state laser material, said laser slab including slab corners with corner faces; and a pump source providing a pump light; wherein said pump light is directed into said laser slab through said slab corners of said laser slab, propagated within said laser slab by total internal reflection (TIR), and substantially absorbed during propagation; and wherein said laser slab outputs an amplified laser beam.