A new class of intermediate‐gain laser materials for rare‐earth ions, based upon the principle of inhomogeneous broadening of spectral lines in mixed‐compound crystals, is reported. Spectroscopic evidence for Nd in YAl0.6Ga0.4G mixed garnets is presented which shows a cross‐section reduction of 3.3 compared to Nd in YAlG. Other physical properties of the mixed garnets, in particular the thermal conductivity, are not degraded; consequently, the Nd‐doped mixed garnet materials may prove important for increased‐energy/pulse high‐average‐powerQ‐switched laser applications.