This paper reports the growth of Nd3+:NY(WO4)(2) crystal with high optical quality and large size. Nd3+:NY(WO4)(2) crystal with the dimension phi 30 x 75 mm(2) and optical homogeneity 4 x 10(-5) was grown by Czhchoralski method: the seed used was [100] orientation, the pulling rate and rotating rate were 0.5-1.25 mm/h and 15 rpm, respectively. The growing processes and characteristics of Nd3+:NY(WO4)(2) crystal was discussed. Its unpolarized absorption spectra and emission spectra were measured. The absorption cross-section and emission cross-section were presented. Based on the Judd-Ofelt theory, we obtained the three intensity parameters: Omega(2) = 5.8 x 10(-20), Omega(4) = 5.74 x 10(-20), and Omega(6) = 4.32 x 10(-20) cm(2). The radiative probabilities, radiative lifetimes, branch ratios and quantum efficiency of Nd3+:NY(WO4)(2) were calculated too. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.