A controlled polarization laser cavity comprises a doped YAG saturable absorber layer epitaxially deposited directly on a laser active YAG substrate of (100) orientation. A controlled polarization laser cavity comprises an optionally doped YAG (Y3Al5O12) laser active substrate of (100) orientation, on which a single crystal doped YAG saturable absorber layer of the same (100) orientation is directly deposited by liquid phase epitaxy or a similar method. Independent claims are also included for the following: (i) bulk fabrication of controlled polarization Q-switched laser cavities by liquid phase epitaxial deposition of the above saturable absorber layer on one of the polished faces of a strip of the above substrate material, polishing of the deposited layer, application of entry and exit mirrors onto the two polished faces of the cavity and cutting up of the resulting assembly; and (ii) a controlled polarization Q-switched laser comprising the above cavity and a pumping system.
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