An ion-exchange single-mode stripe waveguide was designed to excite the surface plasma wave.The experimental determination method of relative parameters,the two-dimensional diffusion and refractive index distribution of the stripe waveguide and the excitation of surface plasma wave were investigated. Based on Ag+-Na+ ion-exchange technology, the planar waveguide with a graded refractive index was prepared on Germany B270 optical glass. By taking a complementary error function to fit the refractive index distribution, the diffusion coefficient (Deff) and the refractive index increment (Δn) of the waveguide were obtained under certain process parameters. On this basis, the condition of single-mode waveguide was calculated by using equivalent refractive index method and the corresponding technological parameters were designed. Finally,the single-mode strip waveguide was prepared in the 0.1% AgNO3~99.9％NaNO3 mixed molten salt based on the lithographic technology. The test result of mode field distribution shows that the waveguide prepared has a good single-mode characteristic. When the waveguide is coated with 50 nm Au film,and tested by glycerine solution with different concentrations from 40% to 70%, it can excite surface plasma waves successfully.