The Fifth International Conference on Laser Spectroscopy or VICOLS, was held at Jasper Park Lodge, in Jasper, Canada, June 29 to July 3, 1981. Following the tradition of the previous conferences in Vail, Megeve, Jackson Lake, and Rottach-Egern, it was hoped that VICOLS would provide an opportunity for act- ive scientists to meet in an informal atmosphere for discussions of recent developments and applications in laser spectroscopy. The excellent conference facilities and remote location of Jasper Park Lodge in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, amply fulfilled these expectations. The...