Summary form only given. Ordered array of nanosize spheres are attractive for many linear and nonlinear applications. In particular, if one is able to tailor the nonlinear properties of the embedded material to the confining properties of its matrix, a substantial enhancement in the nonlinear optical properties is expected. Here we present results on the linear and nonlinear optical properties of Er-implanted, ordered array of nanosize silica spheres (opal).