In this work, Judd-Ofelt analysis is applied to an extensive series of Er3+-doped and Er3+, Yb3+-codoped in phosphate-borate glass in order to evaluate their potential as both glass laser systems and amplifier materials. A spectroscopic investigation is presented. The phenomenological Judd-Ofelt parameters Omega(2), Omega(4) and Omega(6) are determined for both rare-earth ions together with their quality factors and compared to the equivalent parameters for other host glasses. The absorption cross section for the I-4(13/2) -> I-4(15/2) transition is determined. Photoluminescence (PL) and its decay behaviour studies were carried out for the transition I-4(13/2) -> I-4(15/2). Published by Elsevier B.V.