Tunable-laser performance in BeAl/sub 2/O/sub 4/:Cr/sup 3 +/

Broadly tunable laser operation has been obtained at room temperature from the vibronic bands of single-crystal BeAl/sub 2/O/sub 4/:Cr/sup 3 +/ under Xe-flashlamp excitation. Continuous tuning is obtained from 701 to 794 nm, with maximum power at 750 nm. Long-pulse operation employing 6.3-mm x 76-mm rods easily provides 500 mJ in 200-..mu..sec bursts, whereas 70-mJ, 120-nsec pulss are obtained under Q-switch operation.