Laser emission from the transition-metal compound LiSrCrF6.

We have demonstrated laser action in the transition-metal compound LiSrCrF6. A Ti:sapphire laser was employed to pump into the long-wavelength absorption wing in order to mimic the AlGaAs laser-diode wavelengths. Slope efficiencies greater than 30% were measured with a crystal having passive losses of the order of 3–5%/cm.