A maximum CW power of 9.3 W was obtained in a diode end-pumped diffusion-bonded Nd:YVO/sub 4/ rod. The output power was 1.5 times higher than in a commercially available control rod. The increased efficiency is caused by a decrease of thermally induced stress. The undoped end section is calculated to act as an effective heat diffuser and the temperature rise is reduced to 70% when compared to the control rod.