The properties of diode-pumped lasers with gradient-index (GRIN)-mirro
r resonators are described. The total loss of typical GRIN elements is
measured and is found to be comparable with conventional mirrors. The
efficiency, threshold, and modal quality of GRIN-mirror Nd:YAG lasers
are shown to compare favorably with conventional designs. In addition
, a polarized single-frequency laser that uses GRIN elements in conjun
ction with metal-film etalons is constructed and is shown to deliver o
utput powers comparable with those of more complicated single-frequenc
y designs.