An electron beam pumped laser including a surface-emitting laser faceplate oriented at a non-perpendicular angle. Embodiments are described in which a bending coil bends the electron beam, or in which the faceplate is situated in the direct path of the e-beam emission but with a non-zero orientation angle. The faceplate may include a substantially opaque substrate, and an opaque heat-removing structure may be attached to the substrate to provide high heat transfer, thereby allowing high electron-beam pumping intensity and providing more light emission from a smaller package. In some embodiments the partially reflective mirror comprises a metal layer that has a plurality of openings. Multiple laser faceplates (e.g., red, green, and blue) may be placed in the same tube, to provide a continuous light source for projection television. The substrate may be connected to ground to provide an exit path for electrons from the laser gain layer.