The range of problems constituting the specifics of the physics of interaction of high-intensity coherent electromagnetic radiation with matter is considered. The main methods of theoretical and experimental research of these problems are presented, an overview of the results of such studies is given. The possibilities of researching the ideas and methods of modern laser physics and nonlinear optics for the diagnosis of matter, as well as in other fields of science and technology, are shown. For students and graduate students of physical specialties of universities, students of special departments for retraining personnel in the field of laser physics, technology and technology.