Editorial: Frontiers and Applications of Laser Detection—From Spectral Imaging to Lidar Remote Sensing

The rapid advancement of optoelectronics and precision measurement technologies has made laser detection an essential and pioneering tool in contemporary remote sensing. Ranging from highly sensitive spectral imaging and Lidar with exceptional spatial resolution to innovative applications in environmental monitoring and biomedical imaging, laser detection has fundamentally transformed the methods by which we acquire, interpret, and utilize information about our environment [1,2,3]. This Special Issue, titled “Laser Detection: Remote Sensing Applications from Spectral Imaging to Lidar,” presents recent technological breakthroughs and a diverse range of application achievements in the field, highlighting the broad potential of laser detection technologies in both basic research and engineering applications.

In recent years, laser detection technology has achieved substantial advancements in wavelength coverage, sensitivity, system miniaturization, and intelligent data processing [4,5,6,7]. The advent of next-generation spectral lasers, broadband detectors, and integrated optical components has endowed laser spectroscopic imaging with distinct advantages in molecular identification and quantitative analysis [8,9,10]. Simultaneously, Lidar has become a versatile tool, widely used in atmospheric remote sensing, surface mapping, ecological monitoring, autonomous driving, and space exploration [11,12,13]. Despite these advances, several major challenges remain in this field. Key issues include further improving the spatial and temporal resolution of spectroscopic imaging, suppressing background interference, and achieving efficient integration and cross-calibration of data from multiple platforms and sensors [14,15]. Furthermore, addressing weak signal detection and multi-parameter retrieval in complex environments will require the synergistic optimization of algorithms and system architectures—a key direction for future research [16,17].

The articles in this Special Issue encompass a broad spectrum of topics, including novel mechanisms for laser-based atmospheric transport and absorption detection, innovations in Lidar technology and signal processing, advances in detector arrays and system calibration, developments in multi-source and multi-modal lasers and imaging, applications in atmospheric remote sensing and environmental monitoring, and emerging trends and engineering applications in the field. Some studies focus on reconstructing atmospheric transport and absorption fields, proposing new laser transmission models and gas absorption imaging techniques that offer theoretical and technical foundations for high-precision environmental monitoring and flow field diagnostics. Several papers address system optimization and algorithmic innovation for Lidar in atmospheric profiling, wind field measurement, and weak target detection, thereby advancing the core applications of Lidar in environmental and climate remote sensing. In parallel, advancements in detector array consistency calibration, low-cost imaging systems, underwater suppression and scattering lasers, and cross-disciplinary innovations in novel optical materials for nano-sensing have broadened the application boundaries of laser systems. This issue further highlights cutting-edge advances in AI-based noise reduction for laser signals, multi-modal fusion and system intelligence, and system miniaturization, reflecting the deep integration of laser detection theory and engineering practice. Collectively, these achievements have enriched and advanced the field of laser detection, providing a robust foundation for future multidisciplinary collaboration and practical innovation.

Looking ahead, laser detection is expected to achieve further breakthroughs in areas such as multi-scale integration and intelligent processing, the development of high-throughput portable instruments, cross-disciplinary collaboration and standardization, and the exploration of emerging application domains [18,19,20]. Specifically, the integration of multi-band and multi-modal laser signals with artificial intelligence algorithms will further enhance detection sensitivity and quantitative capabilities in complex environments. The continued implementation of integrated, miniaturized, and cost-effective laser detection systems will expand their applications to emerging scenarios such as mobile observation and emergency monitoring [21]. The convergence of disciplines—including optics, electronics, computing, and environmental science—will accelerate data standardization and platform interoperability, facilitating the widespread deployment and international collaboration of laser detection technologies [22,23]. Moreover, laser detection will progressively expand into frontier areas such as ecological monitoring, biomedicine, and urban intelligent sensing, thereby providing robust support for the development of a digital Earth and a smart society [24,25].

This Special Issue presents the latest advances in laser detection, spanning from fundamental principles to engineering applications, and highlights the deep integration and innovation-driven development of this technological domain. We anticipate that these studies will further stimulate interest and investment from both the academic community and industry, thereby advancing the value of laser detection technology in scientific discovery and societal applications.