A method for making a single-sided pumped laser device (20) may include determining initial relative spacings of a reflector (30) with respect to a laser medium body (28) having a known absorption coefficient, and to a laser pump (22) having known divergence angles of pump light (24) to be directed at a side of the laser medium body (28). A merit function defining a desired absorption profile of the pump light (24) passing through the laser medium body (28) may be determined. An optical model may be operated based on the merit function and the determined absorption coefficient, divergence angles and initial relative spacings to determine a curvature of the reflector (30), and adjusted relative spacings among the laser medium body (28), the laser pump (22), and the reflector (30). The laser medium body (28), the laser pump (22), and the reflector (30) may be assembled according to the determined curvature of the at least one reflector (30) and the adjusted relative spacings to make the single-sided pumped laser device (20) having a symmetrical absorption profile.