ICOLS features the latest developments in the area of laser spectroscopy and related topics in atomic, molecular, and optical physics and other disciplines. The talks covered a broad range of exciting physics, such as precision tests of fundamental symmetries with atoms and molecules, atomic clocks, quantum many-body physics with ultra-cold atoms, atom interferometry, quantum information science with photons and ions, quantum optics, and ultra-fast atomic and molecular dynamics.The conference program comprised 14 sessions with 9 keynote addresses, 25 invited talks, and 3 hot topic talks. The speakers came from 15 different countries. Ever since the ICOLS conference series originated in 1973, its proceedings have been highly valued by many for capturing important developments in the field and offering the room to represent various aspects of specific research topics. The present volume contains some of the invited talks delivered at the conference.

The Eighth International Conference on Laser Spectroscopy (EICOLS '87) was held at the Sunwing Hotel in A.re, Sweden, June 22-26; 1987. Fol lowing the traditions ef its predecessors at Vail, Megeve, Jackson Lake, Rottach-Egern, Jasper Park, Interlaken and Maui the intent of EICOLS '87 was to provide a forum for active scientists to meet in an informal at mosphere to discuss recent developments in laser spectroscopy. The scenic and remote location of the conference venue greatly stimulated a lively and relaxed exchange of information and ideas. The conference was attended by 227 scientists from 20 countries includ ing Australia, Austria, Canada, the People's Republic of China, Denmark, Finland, France, the Federal Repulic of Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, the Soviet Union, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The scientific program included 14 topical sessions with 50 invited talks, ranging in length from 20 to 40 minutes. About 70 additional in vited contributions were presented in two evening poster sessions. A third evening session included 4 oral and 18 poster post-deadline presentations.

The XIX International Conference on Laser Spectroscopy, one of the leading conferences in the very diverse and still growing field of laser spectroscopy, was held in Hokkaido, Japan, on June 7-12, 2009. This volume, comprising a collection of invited contributions presented at the conference, will report on the latest developments in the area of laser spectroscopy and related fields: cold atoms and molecules, degenerate quantum gases, quantum optics, quantum information processing, precision measurements, atomic clock, ultra-fast lasers and strong field phenomena, and novel spectroscopic applications.