Power scaling of Cr2+:ZnSe lasers

We describe continuous-wave, quasi-continuous-wave and gain-switched operation of moderate power Cr:ZnSe lasers. We have demonstrated CW output powers as high as 1.83 W, quasi-CW power of 3.6 W at 10% duty cycle, and 0.35 mJ gain- switched pulses at a repetition frequency of 1000 Hz.