A Laser, a Genetic Algorithm and Some Molecules: Ingredients for Controlled Photochemistry

The interaction of light with matter has been an intensely studied area both theoretically and experimentally. Lasers are one of the most important tools for such experimental research. Progress in this area has been linked to the evolving capabilities of lasers. There are two features of lasers that are of importance in the study of light matter interactions the pulse duration and intensity. Rapid improvements in these two features have allowed scientists to probe regimes where molecular interactions can be observed on molecular timescales. However, though these features allow us to observe molecular phenomena, manipulation of these features does not allow us to reach our ultimate goal, viz. control of molecular phenomena. To have such control one must look at another feature of lasers the shape of the pulse itself.