Stoichiometric rare earth laser material and laser based thereon
A high gain stoichiometric neodymium laser medium is described which is of the general formula K/sub 5/NdxM(1-X)Li/sub 2/F/sub 10/ where X takes on a non-zero positive value less than or equal to one, and M is a metal selected from the group consisting of lanthanum, cerium, and gadolinium. Minilasers employing a laser medium of the general formula K/sub 5/NdxM(1-X)Li/sub 2/F/sub 10/ are provided in which the optical pumping is provided by at least one light emitting diode or laser diode.