The results of optical absorption, luminescence, and lifetime measurem
ents on chromium-doped Y2SiO5 and Gd2SiO5 crystals are reported. The d
ominant absorption and emission bands in both crystals are assigned to
transitions on the Cr4+ ion in distorted tetrahedral sites. An additi
onal near infrared emitting center was observed in Y2SiO5.