A series of novel temperature-sensitive phosphors LiAlO2:Yb 3+ (with Yb 3+ concentration, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03 mole %) were synthesized by microwave triggered solution combustion synthesis method. The structural identification and phase determination of the prepared sample were carried out by powder X ray diffraction and FT-IR techniques whereas the physical morphology of the sample was investigated by SEM. The XRD peaks along with rietveld refined data confirms the formation of tetragonal single crystal LiAlO2 with space group P4 12 12 having 92 space group number. All the substituted materials adopt the same structure to that of LiAlO2 indicates that ytterbium ion has been well incorporated in to the crystal lattice without disturbing natural crystal structure of the host. The SEM image of the material shows transparent phosphor with irregular shape and surfaces of the foams shows lot of cracks, voids and micropores. The photoluminescence spectra of ytterbium doped LiAlO2 exhibits absorption and emission due to 2 F7/2 to 2 F5/2 transitions. The strong interaction of Yb 3+ ions within the lattice vibration gives rise to strong vibrational sidebands.