CdSe quantum dots (QDs) are synthesized in an aqueous solution. A significant enhancement in fluorescence intensity is observed from the CdSe QDs on the Au island thin film (AIF) as compared to that on glass excited by 800 nm femto second laser. On the other hand, the fluorescence intensity decay of CdSe QDs on AIF shows a faster decay decrease in average fluorescence lifetime. Fluorescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope, atomic force microscope and fluorescence decay are employed to analyze fluorescence enhancement of CdSe QDs. The spectrum change of the CdSe QDs on AIF is dependent on surface plasmon resonance. The enhanced two-photon-excited fluorescence of CdSe QDs on the surface of AIF could be utilized in a variety of chemical and biological detection from a practical point of view. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.