Based on different optical theories,the principles of laser-induced fluorescence(LIF),coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering(CARS),tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy(TDLAS),laser absorption spectroscopy(LIBS),radiation meth-od,remote sensing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(RS-FTIR),particle imaging velocity measurement(PIV)and schlier-en technique applied to the testing of combustion of energetic materials are reviewed.The superiority of optical diagnostic techniques over conventional contact methods in combustion testing,the applicability,measurement objectives,strengths,and limitations of each optical method are analyzed.The development prospect of measuring techniques on combustion products,flame temperature,combustion flow field velocity,and flame structure in the combustion diagnosis of energetic materials is al-so prospected.It is pointed out that future work should combine multi-diagnostic methods to develop multi-dimensional meas-urements,to obtain more multidimensional micro-data information.There are 102 references attached.