An optical amplifier system includes an input aperture operable to receive light propagating along an optical path in a first direction and a first polarizer disposed along the optical path. The first polarizer is operable to pass light having a polarization state aligned with a first polarization axis. The system also includes a first Pockels cell operable to receive light passing through the first polarizer, an optical gain element disposed along the optical path, a second Pockels cell disposed along the optical path, and a second polarizer disposed along the optical path. The second polarizer is operable to pass light having a polarization state aligned with the first polarization axis. The system further includes a first mirror operable to receive light reflected from the second polarizer, a second mirror operable to receive light reflected from the first polarizer, and an output aperture operable to transmit light passing through the second polarizer.