Abstract: A solid state, laser light control device (20, 30) and material (10), and methods of producing same. The device (20, 30) and material (10) consist essentially of a host material (14) which contains: a dopant species (16) at a first valence state (a), the concentration of which increases with distance from the surface (18); and the same dopant species (16) at a second valence state (b), the concentration which decreases with distance from the surface (18). The method comprises the steps of: obtaining a doped solid state material (14); exposing the solid state material (14) to elevated temperature, for a period of time, in an oxidizing or reducing atmosphere. The elevated temperature and time of exposure are selected to change the valence state (a) of the dopant (16) in direct proportion to distance from the surface (18) of the solid state material (16).