Nd3+- and Cr3+-doped potassium bismuth tungstate [KBi(WO4)(2)] single crystals with dimensions up to several centimeters have been grown by the top-seeded solution growth technique. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns, concentration segregation effects, and the growth parameters are provided. The Nd3+:KBW crystals show a larger segregation effect and a higher doping limit than the Cr3+:KBW crystals. The cracks, inclusions, cleavage, chemical etching, and absorption spectra of the Nd3+:KBW crystals are reported. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.