Growth and properties of LiNbO3 co-doped with Yb3+/Er3+/Mg2+

► High-quality Yb/Er/Mg: LiNbO3 crystal was grown by the Cz method for the first time. ► Yb3+ ion can act as a sensitizer for Er3+ ion in our crystal. ► OH transmission spectrum and Raman spectrum were also studied. ► Yb/Er/Mg: LN crystal is a potential candidate to generate 2.7 μm laser output.