The energy efficiency of a forsterite laser was investigated. Calculat
ions show that the use of real components limits the efficiency to app
roximately 10%. Some ways of optimising the parameters of such a laser
are suggested. The calculated results are on the whole in agreement w
ith the experimental data, including those obtained by other authors.
A description is given of the first all-solid forsterite laser and way
s of improving it further are proposed.