A modified synthesis method for the preparation of Ba2ErCl7, a new laser up-conversion material using Er2O3, BaCl2. 7H(2)O and NH4Cl, is reported for the first time. Single crystals 5-8 mm in diameter and 10-20 mm in length were grown by both the Czochralski and Bridgman methods. The transmittance spectra for a Ba2ErCl7 single crystal was first measured using a HITACHI U-3500 spectrophotometer. There were three intense absorption peaks I-4(9/2), I-4(11/2) and I-4(13/2) in the infrared range which can be excited by 803 and 980 nm and 1.5 mu m laser diode (LD), respectively. The cut-off wavelength of the crystal was 230 nm. Intense green luminescence was observed when the crystals were pumped by an 803 nm LD. Up-conversion mechanisms are discussed.