Gadolinium vanadate (GdVO4) is one of the most promising crystals and was introduced by Zagumennyi et al. [Sov. J. Quantum Electron. 22 (1992) 1071], which doped with rare-earth ions are attractive laser materials. Homogeneous high-quality Yb:GdVO4 crystals were grown by the floating zone method. Absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra, as well as fluorescence decay curves of Yb:GdVO4 crystals, have been recorded at room temperature and used to calculate the absorption and stimulated emission cross-sections. The spectral properties and optical performance were investigated. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.