Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy near individual gold nanoparticle

► Near-field effect near Au nanoparticle is investigated by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. ► Single molecule diffusion dynamics within the near field of Au nanoparticle is observed clearly. ► Near-field volume is polarization dependent and dependent on the properties of Au nanoparticle. ► The diffusion kinetics of fluorophores is analyzed theoretically by a simple model.