Laser activity at 1.18, 1.07, and 0.97 microm in the low-phonon-energy hosts KPb2Br5 and RbPb2Br5 doped with Nd3+.

For the first time to the authors' knowledge, laser activity has been achieved in low-phonon-energy, moisture-resistant bromide host crystals, neodymium-doped potassium lead bromide (Nd3+:KPb2Br5) and rubidium lead bromide (Nd3+:RbPb2Br5; RPB). Laser activity at 1.07 microm was observed for both crystalline materials.