This volume consists of papers selected from the proceedings of the Fifth International Symposium on Applications of Laser Techniques to Fluid Mechanics, held at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon from 9 to 12 July, 1990. Relative to previous meetings in the Lisbon series the scope of this symposium was broadened by expanding the topical coverage to include all laser techniques used in fluid mechanics. This change recognized the trend amongst experimental fluid dynamicists to employ laser techniques for the measurement of many different quantities, including concentration, temperature, particle size, and velocity, and the need for researchers to have a forum in which to communicate their work and share their common interests. The Fifth Symposium contained twenty-three sessions of formal presentations and a lively Open Forum ses­ sion. In addition, Dr. H. J. Pfeiffer organized a special Workshop on the Use of Computers in Flow Mea­ surements which contained five sessions on frequency domain processors, correIa tors, special detectors, and biasing.