Erbium photoluminescence in opal matrix and porous anodic alumina nanocomposites

“Self-organizing” design methods of nanocomposites based on cubic packing SiO2 nanospheres (opal matrices) and porous anodic alumina (PAA) are considered. The photoluminescence of nanocomposites doped with erbium and other rare earth elements is studied versus the element structure, concentration of rare earth ions, matrix composition, optical properties, and technology. Possible application of 3D-(space) and 2D-(planar) nanocomposites in systems of optical information transfer, storage, and processing are discussed.