The Yb³⁺-doped silica glass was prepared by the SiCl4 hydrolysis doping and powder melting technology based on high frequency plasma. The absorption and emission characteristics of the Yb³⁺-doped silica glass are studied at room temperature. The integrated absorption cross section, stimulated emission cross section and fluorescence lifetime are calculated to be 8.56×10⁴pm³, 1.39 pm²and 0.56 ms, respectively. The Yb³⁺-doped microstructure fiber (MSF) was also fabricated by using the Yb³⁺-doped silica glass as fiber core. What’s more, the laser properties of the Yb³⁺-doped MSF are studied.