Ho3+:SrMoO4 single crystal was grown by the Czochralski method in N-2 atmosphere. The polarized absorption spectra, emission spectra and the lifetime decay curves were measured at room temperature. The Judd-Ofelt theory has been applied to analyze the absorption spectra. The spectroscopic parameters, including three intensity parameters, radiative transition rates, radiative lifetimes, fluorescent branching ratios and emission cross sections were obtained. The luminescence lifetime of the S-5(2) level was determined to be 4.40 mu s. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.