Coherent control

Quantum control describes an approach in chemistry, which attempts to influence chemical reactions by molecular dynamics is steered with specially shaped laser pulses that extend temporally few tens to hundreds of femtoseconds. This makes it possible to efficiently and selectively targeting a desired reaction channel.

For this purpose one uses a femtosecond laser, whose properties can be manipulated in pulse shapers such that the profile of the electric field is especially adapted to a quantum system and the desired response target. For this purpose, the amplitude, the phase and the polarization of the electric field may be selectively affected. Thus, a modulation of the field within the intrinsic time scale of molecular dynamics is possible.