An inherently efficient direct eye-safe laser based on Er:Crystal technology utilizing intra-cavity energy conversion. The Er:Crystal laser is intra-cavity pumped by a highly efficient ytterbium or neodymium crystal laser, which is in-turn, pumped by conventional infrared diodes array bars. The laser is inherently compact and low-cost allowing for significant scaling of the output energy and power with greatly reduced number of required diode pump sources. This intra-cavity pump scheme of appropriate Er:Crystals also provides for efficient generation of ultra-short Q-switched pulse operation of such lasers.