In this paper, a diode-pumped continuous-wave and passively Q-switched 1.06 mu m laser with gain medium of ceramic was demonstrated. Laser output characteristics using Nd:YAG ceramics with different doping concentrations of 1.0%, 2.0%, and 4.0% were studied. A maximum output power of 7.74 W with optical efficiency of 51.6% was obtained through the optimization of the coupler's transmission. By using Cr4+:YAG crystals with initial transmissions of 80% and 90% as saturable absorbers, the pulsed ceramic Nd:YAG laser performance was investigated. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.