Methane is the most frequently analyzed gas with different concentrations ranging from single ppm or ppb to 100%. There are a wide range of applications for gas sensors including urban uses, industrial uses, rural measurements, and environment monitoring. The most important applications include the measurement of anthropogenic greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and methane leak detection. In this review, we discuss common optical methods used for detecting methane such as non-dispersive infrared (NIR) technology, direct tunable diode spectroscopy (TDLS), cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS), cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy (CEAS), lidar techniques, and laser photoacoustic spectroscopy. We also present our own designs of laser methane analyzers for various applications (DIAL, TDLS, NIR).

The article presents the history of the development and the current state of the apparatus for the detection of interferents and biological warfare simulants in the air with the laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) method. The LIF method is the most sensitive spectroscopic method and also enables the measurement of single particles of biological aerosols and their concentration in the air. The overview covers both the on-site measuring instruments and remote methods. The spectral characteristics of the biological agents, steady-state spectra, excitation–emission matrices, and their fluorescence lifetimes are presented. In addition to the literature, we also present our own detection systems for military applications.

Fluorescence is the most sensitive spectroscopic method of analysis and fluorescence methods. However, classical analysis requires sampling. There are new needs for real-time analyses of biological materials, without the need for sampling. This article presents examples of proprietary applications of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) in medicine with such methods. A classic example is the analysis of photosensitizers using the photodynamic treatment method (PDT). The level and kinetics of accumulation and excretion of sensitizers in the body are examined, as well as the optimal exposure time after the application of compounds. The LIF method is also used to analyze endogenous fluorophores; it has been used to detect neoplasms, e.g., lung cancer or gynecological and dermatological diseases. Furthermore, it is used for the diagnosis of early stages of tooth decay or detection of fungi. The article will present the construction of sensors based on the LIF method—fiber laser spectrometers and investigated fluorescence spectra in individual applications. Examples of fluorescence imaging, e.g., dermatological, and dental diagnostics and measuring systems will be presented. The advantage of the method is it has greater sensitivity and easily detects lesions early compared to the methods used in observing the material in reflected light.