A Yb3+-doped CaYAlO4 laser crystal has been grown by the Czochralski technique. The segregation coefficient was measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). The cell parameters were analyzed with X-ray diffraction experiments. Color defects in Yb:CaYAlO4 have been evidenced to be similar to those in undoped CaYAlO4. The polarized absorption spectra and the fluorescence spectrum of the Yb:CaYAlO4 crystal were measured at room temperature. The fluorescence decay time of the Yb3+ ion was investigated. The results show that Yb:CaYAlO4 has potential as a laser gain medium for an ultrashort laser system. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.