The effects of magnetic processing on the organization of gold nanorods (AuNRs)/poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS) composites using a strong magnetic field were examined by absorption spectra corresponding to surface plasmon on a glass plate and TEM images. The results in the absorption spectra and the TEM images showed that the side-to-side aggregation of AuNRs/PSS composites formed in the presence of a magnetic field directed horizontally to the surface of the sample. In the absence of the magnetic field, side-to-side AuNRs/PSS aggregates were not observed. The effects of magnetic processing are attributed to the induced magnetic dipoles of the AuNRs. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.