A system of 0.03 mol Nd3+-doped (Y,Gd)BO3 phosphors were prepared by the conventional solid state reaction method for different concentrations of Gd3+ ions and were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and NIR emission measurements. The emitted radiation was dominated by 1057 nm peak in the NIR region as a result of F-4(3/2)-> I-4(11/2) transitions of Nd3+ ions. As the concentration of Gd3+ ions increases from 0.00 to 0.57 mol, the grain sizes and the intensity of NIR emission peaks were improved. The results are discussed in comparison with similar reported works. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.