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Abstract. Various concentrations of YbF3 -doped and NaF or PbF2 co-doped CaF2 crystals were grown using the conventional Bridgman method. Transparent colorless crystals were obtained in graphite crucible in vacuum using a shaped graphite furnace. The crystals have been cooled to room temperature using an established procedure. Room temperature absorption spectra have been obtained using a Shimadzu 1650PC spectrophotometer. Photoluminescent properties in IR spectral range were analyzed using a spectrofluorimeter Horiba Fluorolog 3. An IR laser diode at 932 nm was also used an directly injected in the equipment. The emission spectra are influenced by the concentration of co-dopant added to the melt, and the excitation wavelength. The high emission peak at 979 nm overlaps with the absorption peak. The highest intensity in the IR emission (around 1029 nm) is obtained for CaF2:0.72 mol% YbF3 crystal by excitation at 932 nm (diode lamp).