We report on the growth, structure, vibronic and spectroscopic properties of novel Yb3+-doped orthorhombic potassium yttrium double molybdate crystal, Yb:KY(MoO4)2. The layered structure of this material determines a strong polarization-anisotropy of absorption and emission bands of Yb3+ ions. The maximum stimulated-emission cross-section is 3.7×10-20 cm2 at ~1.01 μm for light ...