Crystal growth, Judd-Ofelt analysis and fluorescence properties of Tm3+: CaNb2O6 crystal

► Spectroscopic parameters of Tm3+:CaNb2O6 were calculated with low errors. ► Decay curves for the bulk and the powder samples were recorded. ► Large quantum efficiency (96%) of the 3F4→3H6 transition was obtained. ► We conclude that Tm3+:CaNb2O6 is an attractive material for laser medium.