An Er 3+ -doped Ca 9 Y(VO 4 ) 7 single crystal with dimensions of Ø 27×30mm 3 was grown successfully by Czochralski method. Its spectroscopic properties were investigated in detail. The absorption spectra show weak polarization effect, the absorption cross-sections at 801nm are 6.36×10 −21 cm 2 and 9.24×10 −21 cm 2 for σ- and π-polarization, respectively. The emission cross sections at 1533nm are 9.43×10 −21 cm 2 for σ-polarization and 13.46×10 −21 cm 2 for π-polarization. The fluorescence lifetime of the 4 I 13/2 manifold is 3.84ms. When the population inversion parameter β≥0.2, laser emission will be realized in the tuning range of 1575 to 1615nm for σ-polarization. The results show that Er 3+ :Ca 9 Y(VO 4 ) 7 crystal is a promising laser material for producing 1.5μm laser.