My research has spanned fundamental atomic physics, quantum and nonlinear optics, design of novel lasers for spectroscopy and development of new techniques for optical diagnostics and gas-sensing for environmental monitoring. Current research is focussed on applying methods developed in our group to problems in Engineering Science and Chemistry. These applications include a method for precise and accurate remote sensing of temperature and pressure in hostile environments such as engines and plasmas. This work is done in collaboration with colleagues in the departments of Engineering Science and Physical and Theoretical Chemistry in Oxford and the Department of Engineering, Cambridge University. Much of this work has had extensive support from major industrial companies including Rolls Royce, Shell Research, BP, British Gas and Jaguar Land Rover and recent work has been relevant to development of low-carbon propulsion for mitigation of climate-changing emissions.