Chromium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet crystals (Cr:YAG or ^Cr4+:YAG) are passive elements with outstanding optical quality and homogeneity. They serve as excellent Q-switch optics for passively Q-switched diode or lamp pump Nd:YAG, Nd:YLF, Yb:YAG lasers or other lasers doped with Nd and Yb with wavelengths between 1.0µm and 1.2µm. As Cr:YAG is chemically stable, resistant to UV radiation and has a high damage threshold, it replaces traditional materials such as LiF, organic dyes and color centers for passive Q-switching. Its thermal properties are well suited for high medium power applications. Such a material can be thermally diffusion bonded with Nd:YAG crystals or undoped YAG material with very low losses at the bonded site.