The luminescence spectra of a series of Nd3+ -based hybrid xerogels were reported. The organic/inorganic matrix, classed as di-ureasils, is a siliceous network to which short polyether-based chains are grafted by means of urea bridges. The luminescent centers were incorporated as neodymium triflate. These multi-wavelength phosphors present a broad green-blue emission band associated with the hybrid backbone and a series of infrared emissions which were assigned to the F-4(3/2)--> I-4(9/2-13/2) intra-4f(3) lines. The visible emission spectra provides strong evidence for the existence of an unusually intra-Nd3+ conversion process of visible light in infrared luminescence. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.