In this work we demonstrate the growth and the laser operation of high-quality Cr:LiSAF crystals by zone melting method. CrF3 dehydration and oxidation were carefully studied to optimize Cr incorporation in the LiSAF host. The obtained crystals have presented low losses and high laser gain, characteristics that are very suitable for diode-pumped laser operation. We studied the thermal behavior of these crystals during laser action and compared their CW performance with that of a commercial highly doped Czochralski-grown crystal. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.