Generation of 1216 nm and 608 nm laser emission using cascaded Raman shifts in Nd:YVO4

•C-cut Nd:YVO4 self-Raman laser utilizing a combination of Raman shifts at 890 and 259 cm−1 was demonstrated.•Double-end diffusion-bonded Nd:YVO4 composite crystal was used for Raman conversion.•Average output power of 2.6 W and conversion efficiency of 14.7% at 1216 nm were obtained.•Average output power of 1.71 W and conversion efficiency of 9.7% at 608 nm were obtained.