  The combination of single photon emitters (quantum dots) and tailored metal
nanoparticles with defined size and shape allows a detailed study of the
interaction between light and matter. The enhanced optical near-field of the
nanoparticles can strongly influence the absorption and emission of nearby
fluorescent quantum dots. We show that a controlled spatial arrangement enables
the analysis and understanding of polarization dependent coupling between a
metal nanoparticle and few or single fluorescent quantum dots. Modifications in
the fluorescence spectrum and lifetime are analyzed and compare well with
simulations.
