Efficient continuous-wave (cw) lasing of Cr2+:ZnS and Cr2+:ZnSe crystals in external hemispherical cavities and in a microchip configuration under Er-fiber-laser pumping at room temperature are reported. The key result is what is believed to be the first successful demonstration of cw Cr2+:ZnS and Cr2+:ZnSe microchip lasers with maximum output powers of 63 and 100 mW at 2320 and 2520 nm, with slope efficiencies of 53% and 20%, respectively. © 2002 Optical Society of America.
