Abstract. The article presents physicochemical, thermal and spectroscopic properties of two different glass systems: TeO2-GeO2-PbO-PbF2-BaO-Nb2O5-LaF3 and SiO2-Al2O3-Sb2O3, co-doped with Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ ions. Blue upconversion luminescence at a wavelength of 478 nm corresponding to the thulium 1 G4 → 3 H6 transition was observed under 976 nm pump radiation in both of the co-doped glasses. This indicated the existence of efficient Yb 3+ →Tm 3+ energy transfer via three-photon absorption mechanism. Thermal and optical results substantiate the claim for practical applicability of the manufactured glasses in design of optical fiber sources.