We demonstrated the highly efficient continuous wave(CW)and Q-switched infrared laser from a diode- side-pumped Nd:YAG crystal.A CW output as high as 66 W at 1319 nm was achieved under the pump power of 460 W,corresponding to a coversion efficiency of 14.3%.A maximum average power of 8.9 W of TEM_(00) mode was obtained in Q-switched operation at the repetition rate of 8 kHz.The performance of the laser considering the thermal lens effect induced by pump power was also analyzed. We demonstrated the highly efficient continuous wave (CW) and Q-switched infrared laser from a diode-side-pumped Nd: YAG crystal. A CW output as high as 66 W at 1319 nm was achieved under the pump power of 460 W, corresponding to a coversion efficiency of 14.3%. A maximum average power of 8.9 W of TEM_ (00) mode was obtained in Q-switched operation at the repetition rate of 8 kHz. The performance of the laser considering the thermal lens effect induced by pump power was also analyzed.