Diode pumping of solid‐state lasers is analyzed. The analysis differs from more conventional analysis by the inclusion of a detailed calculation of the pumping rate and by the use of a Gaussian transverse intensity distribution as well as a circular approximation. Explicit expressions are obtained for the slope efficiency and the threshold. The temperature dependence of both parameters is investigated. Experimental results are obtained with a Nd : YAG diode‐pumped laser. These results are compared with the predictions of the analysis. The experimental results yielded a laser power output of 52 mW in TEM00modes at 269°K.