A novel glass exhibits fluorescence from trivalent neodymium ions at a wavelength of approximately 1.06 micrometers. The glass consists essentially of about 98 weight percent of a host glass and about 2 weight percent of a compound which contributes trivalent neodymium ions to the glass. The host glass is a fluoroborate and consists essentially of 10 to 60 mol percent of B2O3 and 40 to 90 mol percent of a fluoride glass modifier selected from the group consisting of BaF2, LaF3, AlF3, PbF2, and combinations thereof. The neodymium compound is selected from the group consisting of Nd2O3and NdF3.