High-quality Yb3+/Mg2+ co-doped LiTaO3 crystal was grown using the Czochralski technique for the first time. Absorption and fluorescence spectra, as well as fluorescence decay curve, were recorded at room temperature. The stimulated emission cross-sections were calculated using the reciprocity method and the Fuchtbauer-Ladenburg formula. The laser parameters and spectral features were investigated. Comparison with other Yb3+-doped laser crystals was made. The results show that the Yb3+/Mg2+ co-doped LiTaO3 crystal is a promising laser material for tunable and ultrashort laser generation. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.