Laser-induced fluorescence of nitric oxide is commonly used for the detection of this major pollutant in combustion processes. Mostly, excitation within the A-X(0,0) band is used next to excitation of the D-X(0,1) band. However, for real engine applications strong absorption of the laser beam prevents the application of these schemes. Exciting in the A-X(0,2) band circumvents these problems and allows the sensitive two-dimensional detection of nitric oxide in engines fueled with isooctane or diesel fuel. The spectroscopy of this detection scheme and the exptl. app. used to generate the required laser energy are reported.