Ag nanodots were self-assembled on various substrates, e.g. Si (100), glass, or copper microglid, by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The relationship between size and morphology of the nanodots and the intensity and peak width of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at around 400-600 nm was examined by varying operational conditions of PLD, e.g. species of the gas (N-2 or At) and pressure (5 mPa to 100 Pa) in the deposition chamber, deposition time (3 to 60 min), and the target-substrate distance (d(TS): 100 to 50 mm). We further discuss self-assembled Ag nanodots in vitreous matrices prepared by PLD in a single step. The target material was prepared by mechanically activated mixture of Ag and borax. The morphology of the nanodots assembly and SPR absorption peak were compared in view of the physicochemical states of the target. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.