Laser gain media fabricated via direct ink writing (DIW) and ceramic processing

In one aspect, a composition of matter includes: a plurality of particles in a thixotropic suspension to form an ink, where the plurality of particles are present in an amount of at least about 20 vol %, and the plurality of particles include: a first host medium material containing at least one of: one or more lasing species dopants; and one or more other dopant species; and a second host medium material containing at least one other dopant species. The composition of matter further includes a liquid phase present in an amount greater than 20 vol % and less than about 80 vol %, where the liquid phase comprises at least one of: at least one surfactant; at least one polar organic solvent; and at least one binder.