A new Nd3+ doped CdTaO4 crystal (having density of 8.83 g cm(-3)) was successfully grown by the Czochralski method. The as grown crystal was with dimension of Phi 30 mm x 50 mm. The structure parameters were refined by Rietveld method to X-ray powder diffraction. The photoluminescence specLra including emission, exciLaLion and decay curves were measured. The phoLoluminescence decay Limes were deLerrnined Lo be 20.7 its (7.73%) and 496 its (92.27%) monnorecl aL 417 nm, and 463 its monnorecl aL 453 um, respecLively, ln addiLion, the raclioluminescence specLrum was given and discussed. The scinLillarion decay consLanrs were 46.4 its (48%) and 1199.7 us (52%). Compared with CdTaO4, the scinLillarion decay of Ncl:CdTaO4 was faster and the percenr of the fast componenL was remarkably increased. Besides, the light yield of Ncl:CdTaO4 can be esLirnarecl Lo be equal Lir Lha L of CdTaO4. All these resulLs suggest that the Nd:CdTaO4 crystal can be expecLecl as a poLennal heavy and Fast scintillator. 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.