• Intracavity stimulated low-frequency Raman scattering of submicron polystyrene, Au, SiO 2 , and diamond particles was studied. • An effective laser Q-switching method based on stimulated low-frequency Raman scattering in monodispersed submicron suspensions was proposed. • The spectral and temporal characteristics of laser radiation can be controlled over a wide range. Passive Q-switching of a ruby laser using stimulated low-frequency Raman scattering of light has been implemented. Suspensions of submicron dielectric and metal particles were used inside a laser cavity as a Q-switching device. The Q-factor of the resonator changed due to stimulated inelastic scattering by the coherent acoustic vibrations of particles. It has been shown that the pulse duration can vary from tens of nanoseconds to microseconds by changing the characteristics of the submicron system. The advantage of this method of passive Q-switching in comparison with a saturable dye is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]