A large crystal of Nd3+:KY(WO4)(2) with dimensions up to 60 x 56 x 22 mm(3) was grown from a K2WO4-KF mixed flux by the top-seeded solution growth method. The absorption and emission spectra of Nd3+:KY(WO4)(2) crystal were investigated. The absorption and emission cross sections are 5.8 x 10(-20) cm(2) at 812 nm and 5.39 x 10(-20) cm(2) at 1058 nm, respectively. Based on Judd-Ofelt theory, the spectral parameters have been calculated. The intensity parameters Omega(lambda) are: Omega(2) = 8.801 X 10(-20) cm(2), Omega(4) = 3.111 X 10(-20) cm(2), Omega(6) = 3.164 x 10(-20) cm(2), and the calculated fluorescence branching ratios are: beta(1)(0.88 mum) = 0.429, beta(2)(1.06 mum) = 0.476, beta(3)(1.32 mum) = 0.0896, beta(4)(1.45 mum) = 0.004. The radiative lifetime is 196 mus, the fluorescence lifetime is 154 mus and the quantum efficiency is 78.6%. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.