Monovalent copper ions effectively incorporated in Nd-containing phosphate glass by a single-step melt-quench method have been established as near-ultraviolet (UV) sensitizers of Nd3+ ions, resulting in a remarkable F-4(3/2) -> I-4(11/2) emission at 1.06 mu m. The spectroscopic data indicates an efficient energy conversion process. The Cu+ ions first absorb photons broadly around 360 nm, and subsequently transfer the energy from the Stokes-shifted emitting states to resonant Nd3+ energy levels in the visible. Ultimately, the Nd3+ electronic excited states decay and the upper lasing state F-4(3/2) is populated, leading to the enhanced emission at 1.06 mu m. The characteristic features of the Cu+ visible emission spectra and the reduced lifetime of the corresponding Cu+ donor states indicate an efficient non-radiative transfer. The Cu+/Nd3+ co-doped phosphate glass appears suitable as solid-state laser material with enhanced pump range in the near-UV part of the spectrum and for solar spectral conversion in photovoltaic cells. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.