[Laser] Laser Rod

[TWOSIG at aol.com]

I saw an ad in Electronic Goldmine for the rods from a military laser range  
finder.  I think it said that they were pumped by flash tubes.
 
The thought came to me that if it was build to be "pumped" by a flash tube,  
would white LEDs provide the stimulus easier and cheaper than a flash?  
 
I really don't know about such things, but I thought it would be worth  
posting.
 
James
N5GUI