This paper reports the growth and spectral properties of 3.5 at% Nd3+:LaVO4 crystal with diameter of 20 x 15 mm(2) which has been grown by the Czochralski method. The spectral parameters were calculated based on Judd-Ofelt theory. The intensity parameters Omega(L) are: Omega(2) = 2.102 x 10(-21) cm(2), Omega(4)= 3.871 x 10(-21) cm(2), Omega(6)= 3.235 x 10(-20) cm(2). The radiative lifetime tau(r) is 209 mus and calculated fluorescence branch ratios are: beta(1)(0.88 mum) = 45.2, beta(2)(1.06 mum) = 46.7, beta(3)(1.34 mum) = 8.1. The measured fluorescence lifetime tau(f) is 137 mum and the quantum efficiency eta is 65.6%. The absorption band at 808 nm wavelength has an FWHM of 20 nm. The absorption and emission cross sections are 3 x 10(-2)0 and 6.13 x 10(-20) cm(2), respectively. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.