A laser rod and methods of manufacturing a plurality of laser rods such that each laser rod has two polished end surfaces and an optical axis that extends between the two polished end surfaces. The laser rod includes a gain material component that has a substantially prismatic shape. The gain material component includes: a first end surface that is substantially optically smooth; a second end surface that is substantially optically smooth; at least three flat side surfaces; and an optical axis, which is substantially parallel to the flat side surfaces. The optical axis intersects the first end surface at a first incidence angle and it intersects the second end surface at a second incidence angle.