1.9- m and 2.0- m laser diode pumping of Cr(2+) :ZnSe and Cr(2+) :CdMnTe

Efficient diode pumping at wavelengths of 1.9 and 2.0microm of a Cr(2+): ZnSe laser with an output power of 105 mW and a slope efficiency of 35% with respect to the absorbed pump power is presented. In addition, Cr(2+): CdMnTe has been laser diode pumped as well as operated in the continuous-wave regime, to the best of our knowledge for the first time.