SiO2 nanofibers are synthesized via a two-stage process: thermal evaporation of SiO powder, followed by laser ablation of a Ge target. The nanotubes are either partially filled with Ge nanoparticles/nanorods or completely filled with Ge nanowires, forming Ge/SiO2 nanocables (see Figure). The products were characterized using a variety of spectroscopic techniques.