Abstract

A laser medium includes an ordered perovskite crystal of the general formula: A2 B Cry B'1-y X6. A and B are alkali metal ions with the ionic radius of A greater than B. B' is an ion selected from the group consisting of Y3+, La3+, Gd3+, Lu3+, Sc3+, Al3+, Ga3+, and In3+. X is an ion selected from the group consisting of F-, Cl-, and Br-. A can be an ion selected from the group consisting of K+, Na+,Cs+, and Rb+. B can be an ion selected from the group consisting of K+-, Na+, and Li+. The chromium can be represented by Cr+3 ions. The laser media can be ordered perovskite polycrystalline compounds of the formulae: CsNaCr0.01 Y0.99 Cl6 ; KLi Cry Sc1-y F6 (where y equals 0.01 and 0.10); K2 NaCry Sc1-y F6 (where 0.01 ࣘyࣘ0.40).A laser can include an optical resonant cavity defined by a first totally reflective mirror and a second partially transmissive mirror. Within the cavity is an active laser medium comprising an ordered perovskite crystal of the general formula stated above, and may be of a specific formula as stated above. An optical pumping means is disposed adjacent to the optical cavity for exciting the laser medium to stimulated radiation. The mirrors are provided with reflective coatings on opposite surfaces of the active laser medium.