A fundamental understanding of leaf optics has widespread applications ranging from botany, environmental sciences, physics, and astronomy, to applications in art, movies, and videogames. Improved understanding of how plant leaves interact with light permits a more complete understanding and quantifying of ecological processes and functions, not only on Earth, but also for exploration of other planets. Through primary production, plants provide the energy and nutrient resources that supports all living systems on Earth. In addition, the leaf energy budget, largely dictated by the amount of energy absorbed, impacts carbon sequestration, respiration, and transpiration rates, thus providing feedback mechanisms between biogeochemical cycles and the climate system.