Laser Spectroscopic Techniques for Aerospace Remote Sensing

The chapter describes the applications of remote spectroscopic multi-modal systems using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF), and Raman spectroscopy etc. in aerospace. LIBS, LIF, and Raman are remarkably complementary spectroscopic methods employed in laboratories, in-situ, and remote analysis of materials. The whole study and analysis of a sample's properties and their function can be possible only by the utilization of elemental and molecular data simultaneously. This multi-spectral information accessible from a single compact and cost-effective device opens new avenues for comprehensive material characterization of any sample. In essence, the effective combination of these powerful spectroscopic tools can retrieve the identity of a material that is far superior to that monitored when each of these techniques is used individually. The chapter aims to discuss the fundamental aspects, state-of-the-art, and core challenges involved while using these techniques for aerospace applications.