Progress in dye and excimer laser sources for remote sensing

The performance characteristics of state-of-the-art dye and excimer lasers are reviewed, with emphasis placed on their ability to generate tunable high-spectral-brightness radiation in the visible and ultraviolet regions, an essential requirement in remote-sensing applications. It is shown that tunable radiation of high average power and narrow bandwidth can be obtained at any wavelength in the visible and ultraviolet regions from about 800 to 193 nm. Depending on the specific requirements of the measurements, different techniques can be used for optimum performance in either region. The new higher range of intensities that are now possible with picosecond systems allow the observation of nonlinear processes, thus expanding the capabilities of remote sensing.