Near-infrared luminescence spectra at 1.53 mu m due to main I-4(13/2)-I-4(15/2) laser transition of Er3+ ions in oxide and oxyhalide lead borate glasses were examined. Spectroscopic parameters like spectral linewidth and luminescence lifetime were analyzed with PbX2 (X = F, Cl or Br) doping. An introduction of lead halide to the borate glass results in the reduction of spectral linewidth and the increase of luminescence lifetime of Er3+. The luminescence decay from the I-4(13/2) upper state of Er3+ is longer for glass sample with PbF2 than PbX2 (X = Cl or Br). (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.