Self-Q-switched diode-end-pumped Cr,Nd:YAG laser with polarized output

We report self-Q-switching operation of a miniature diode-end-pumped Cr,Nd:YAG laser in which the chromium ions act as a saturable absorber for the Nd3+ laser emission at 1064 nm. The laser output is highly polarized, with an extinction ratio of 600:1. The use of laser host crystal doped with saturable absorber can lead to the development of monolithic Q-switched solid-state lasers.