Abstract

We describe applications of laser spectroscopy to the environmental and medical field and it is noted that the basic approaches are very similar in both areas. Environmental monitoring discussed includes long-path absorption atmospheric spectroscopy, differential absorption lidar, gas correlation imaging and fluorescence lidar imaging of vegetation and historical building facades. The medical field is illustrated by photodynamic therapy, laser-induced fluorescence diagnostics, scattering spectroscopy and optical mammography, gas in scattering media absorption spectroscopy and imaging with laser-produced X-rays.

© 2004 Optical Society of America