The optical properties of Nd3+ ions have been investigated in fluoroph
osphate glasses of composition Al(PO3)3-BaF2-CaF2-MgF2-AlF3 with diffe
rent fluorine to oxygen ratios by using steady-state and time-resolved
laser spectroscopy. Judd-Ofelt parameters were derived from the absor
ption spectra and used to calculate the F-4(3/2)-->I-4(11/2) stimulate
d emission cross section and the F-4(3/2) radiative lifetime. The effe
ctive linewidth of the F-4(3/2)-->I-4(11/2) fluorescence spectra narro
ws as the fluorine to oxygen ratio increases. The experimental lifetim
es, ranging from 472 to 494 mus, show a linear dependence with the flu
orine content.