LFS has been identified as a promising tool for detecting and possibly quantifying oil on the surface of solid ice and snow and/or on the surface of brash and slush in pack ice. 

LFS is independent of light conditions (darkness) and is believed to be a valuable tool for systematic, large scale, initial detection of oil in ice-covered waters. Oil detection and quantification by LFS systems are used operationally onboard maritime surveillance aircraft operated by the German Department of Transport and Environment Canada.