This timely book opens up new avenues in the development of highly sensitive and specific fluorometric and sensor methods based on the NIR laser techniques, allowing detection down to the single molecule level. Most important are NIR laser diodes in combination with NIR dyes, which facilitates the automation and miniaturisation of reliable UV/vis and fluorescence spectroscopic and immunoassay in situ measurements. This permits, for example, analyses of pH values, metal ions, pollutants, membranes, proteins, living cells and the DNA genetic code.Furthermore, the book describes new applications of NIR dyes in high technology areas, such as photochemistry, molecular biology, clinical chemistry, tumour therapy, laser physics, nonlinear optics, laser sensitive optical recording techniques, optical disks, compact disks, laser printers, optical cards, photoengraving, transparent bar coding, forgery prevention, photoresists, spectrally sensitised photographic materials, thermal transfer printing, and heat shielding materials. This is a compilation of challenging information for scientists and engineers interested in high technology developments and applications.