Modern Perspective on Coherent Control

Coherent control—the study of possible control on the future of any coherent light-matter interaction—has developed into an independent branch of science over the last part of the twentieth century. Theoretical understanding of the quantum interferences that lead to energy randomization and experimental developments in ultrafast laser spectroscopy has been the key to the success of coherent control. While the theoretical predictions on control of reaction channels or energy randomization processes are still more dramatic than the experimental demonstrations, the gap between the two has consistently reduced over the recent years with realistic theoretical models and technological developments. Experimental demonstrations of arbitrary optical pulse shaping have truly made some of the previously impracticable theoretical predictions possible to implement. Starting with the simple laser modulation schemes to provide proof-of-the-principle demonstrations, feedback loop pulse shaping systems have been developed that can actively manipulate ionization channels. This review attempts to capture the overall impact of this fast developing area into different fields of science by covering as many wide applications and developments possible both experimentally and theoretically.