New laser transition in a Pr3+:RbPb2Cl5 crystal in the 2.3—2.5-μm range

Lasing at the ³F₃–³H₅ transition of the Pr³⁺ ion in a nonhygroscopic Pr³⁺:RbPb₂Cl₅ crystal is obtained for the first time at room temperature and the luminescent and lasing properties of the crystal are studied. The maximum differential cross section for stimulated emission in the 2.31–2.59-μm band of the ³F₃–³H₅ transition is found to be 1.7×10^-19 cm² and the lifetime of the ³F₃ upper laser level is 0.11 ms.