An Er-doped SiO(2):Ta(2)O(5) optical channel waveguide and nanocomposite were prepared by the sol-gel route at a Si:Ta 50:50 molar ratio. Channels with an excellent surface profile were easily and quickly fabricated by focusing a femtosecond laser onto the surface of multilayered films deposited on SiO(2)/Si substrates. In parallel, the same sol used to prepare the film was annealed at 900, 1000, and 1100 degrees C for 2 h, to get the nanocomposite materials. A broadband NIR emission around 1538 nm, assigned to the 4 vertical bar(13/2)-> 4 vertical bar(15/2) transition of the Er(3+) ions was observed in the nanocomposites of amorphous SiO(2) containing dispersed Ta(2)O(5) nanocrystals. The 4 vertical bar(13/2) lifetime and emission bandwidth depend on the annealing temperature. In conclusion, Er(3+)-doped SiO(2):Ta(2)O(5) channel waveguides and nanocomposites are promising materials for photonic applications.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)