The materials synthesis of polycrystalline of Yb3+ : BaWO4 by the way of liquid-phase reaction, and the raw materials of synthesis were detected with ultraviolet spectrum and X-ray powder diffraction method. The colorless and un-cracked Yb3+ : BaWO4 crystal was grown by Czochralski method for the first time. The growth condition and annealing technology was investigated. The transmission and absorption spectra of Yb3+ : BaWO4 was measured. The result indicates that BaWO4 can be laser host material. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.