This paper overviewed recent progress in the evolution of four different diagnostic concepts: coherent anti-stokes Raman spectroscopy, laser-induced fluorescence, vibrational Raman scattering, and hydroxyl tagging velocimetry. Techniques based on these measurement concepts can monitor a variety of parameters including temperature, species concentration, and velocity. The experimental results were given by these laser-based methods in premixed flame, solid propellant burning, and supersonic flowfields.