As one of the core gain materials of laser technology, mid-infrared laser crystal materials have very important applications in military electrooptical countermeasures, laser medicine, satellite remote sensing, molecular monitoring, basic science and other fields. Recent research progresses on crystal growth, optical performance control and laser performance in mid-infrared fluoride laser crystal materials are reviewed in this paper. Especially in the aspect of mid-infrared optical performance control, it mainly introduces the interaction based on rare earth ion energy level coupling. As a result, it can effectively suppress the self-termination effect of luminescent ions and provide an effective pump channel for luminescent ions.