Abstract: A method of making an erbium-doped optical fiber for use in optical amplifiers according to the present invention includes the step of providing a substrate tube. High purity silica-based cladding layers are deposited on the inside of the tube. A core glass that includes silica, Al, a non-fluorescent rare-earth ion, Ge, Er, and Tm is then deposited in the tube. The non-fluorescent rare-earth ion may be La and the core may further include F. The tube is then collapsed to form a preform. Finally, the preform is drawn to yield optical fiber.