Synthesis, crystal growth, and spectroscopic characterization of Cr: LiInGeO4 belonging to olivine structure crystal family are described. Single crystals of this material were grown by flux method. using a Bi2O3-based solvent. Cr:LilnGeO(4) is characterized by broad-band fluorescence in 950-1600 nm wavelength range and 7 mus room-temperature lifetime. The new material is to be very promising- for tunable laser applications covering the important optical communication, eye safe, 1.2-1.6 mum wavelength range. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.