In this work, we have studied the optical and thermal properties of Nd-doped phosphate glass matrix. The studied samples have concentration ranging from 0.5 to 5 wt% of Nd2O3. Here we report the measurements of fluorescence quantum efficiency, eta, obtained through the thermal lens technique using a reference sample. Also, the refractive index, n, specific heat, c(p), mass density, and the thermal diffusivity and conductivity measurements were performed. The knowledge of these characteristics as a function of neodymium concentration is very important to design optical devices, especially high power solid state lasers. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.