Nd3+-doped gadolinium scandium aluminum garnet (Nd:GSAG) precursor was synthesized by a gel combustion method using metal nitrates and citric acid as raw materials. The structure and morphology of the precursor and the sintered powders were studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the precursor transformed into pure GSAG polycrystalline phase at about 800 degrees C, and the powders sintered at 800-1000 degrees C were well-dispersed with average particle sizes in the range of 30-80 nm. Optical properties of Nd:GSAG nano-powders were characterized by using photoluminescence spectroscopy. The highest photoluminescence intensity was achieved for the powder sintered at 900 degrees C. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.