Аннотация:This article summarizes the latest achievements in the growth and characterization of Er,Yb:YAl3(BO3)4 laser crystal emitting in the 1.5–1.6 μm spectral range. Fundamental spectroscopic parameters relevant to laser performance of Er,Yb:YAB derived from absorption and emission spectra and from excited state dynamics are presented. The laser performance of Er,Yb:YAB in the cw and mode-locked regimes is reported.