This paper reports the growth of Nd3+:YVO4 crystal with high optical quality and large size. Nd3+:YVO4 crystal with the dimension 40 x 26 x 46 mm(3) and optical homogeneity 4 x 10(-6) was grown by Czhchoralski method using a seed with [10 0] orientation at a pulling rate of 1.5-2.0 mm/h and a rotating rate of 6-12 rpm. The relationship between the growing habit and characteristics and the structural characterization of YVO4 crystal was discussed. The lasing property of 0.5 at% Nd-doped YVO4 crystal was tested. The output power was 15.0 W at 1.061 mum, pumped by high power diode laser with central wavelength 809 nm and 27.4 W pumping power. The laser energy threshold was 2.0 W. The light light conversion efficiency is 54.8%, and the slope efficiency is 59%. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.