A solid state holmium laser is described which comprises an elliptical or double-elliptical cavity in which pumping lamp(s) are located along one focal line of the ellipse(s) of a one piece cavity and a holmium laser rod is located along the other fold line of the ellipse(s). The laser rods are held by a rod holder and coupled to a source of coolant and a cooling mantle is provided on a cylindrical body forming the cavity.
