New HEu$_{1-x}$Gd$_{x}$(MoO$_4$)$_2$ nanophosphors were synthesized by a simple one-step ion-exchange method. These nanophosphors have rod-like particle morphology with 0.5--15,$mu$ m in length and outer diameters in the range of 50--500,nm. By optimization of the composition, the highest emission intensity was obtained for the samples with $x = 0.50$ for both KEu$_{1-x}$Gd$_{x}$(MoO$_{4}$)$_{2}$ and HEu$_{1-x}$Gd$_{x}$(MoO$_{4}$)$_{2}$.

The recent progress in the field of Ti:Er:LiNbO3 waveguide lasers with emission wavelengths in the range 1530 nm < λ < 1603 nm is reviewed. After a short discussion of the relevant fabrication methods concepts and properties of different types of lasers with grating resonator, acoustooptically tunable Fabry Perot type lasers and new ring laser structures are presented.

Fundamentals and development of PDFAs are described. Spectroscopic data of Pr3+ in a fluoride glass are presented with a view to understanding the performance of PDFA. An amplification mechanism model which explains PDFA performance is established. On the basis of the model pump schemes which efficiently extract the potential in Pr3+-doped fluoride fiber are discussed in order to construct amplifier modules. Gain characteristics of Pr3+-doped fluoride fibers are clarified. Codoping effect on pump wavelength extension is investigated. LD-pumped PDFA construction and performance are described. PDFAs are shown to be attractive device to upgrade the performance of optical systems at 1.3µm. Furthermore future approaches to PDFA research are discussed.