Book excerpt: Laser spectroscopy is a valuable tool for sensing and chemical analysis. Developments in lasers, detectors and mathematical analytical tools have led to improvements in the sensitivity and selectivity of spectroscopic techniques and extended their fields of application. Laser Spectroscopy for Sensing, Second Edition examines these advances and how laser spectroscopy can be used in a diverse range of industrial, medical, and environmental applications. The book provides an overview of laser spectroscopy at three levels: the fundamental aspects to consider when planning use of laser spectroscopy to solve a problem (from the sample properties to the laser properties to the data analysis), the technical aspects of several spectroscopic techniques, and the fields of applications of such techniques. In the new edition, key advancements from the field are captured as well as two new chapters on Raman Spectroscopy and Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. Laser Spectroscopy for Sensing provides readers with a broad overview of the techniques and applications of laser spectroscopy for sensing. Presents the fundamentals of laser technology for controlling the spectral and temporal aspects of laser excitation Explores laser spectroscopy techniques, including Raman spectroscopy and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy Considers spectroscopic analysis of industrial materials and their applications in nuclear research and industry