Coherent and incoherent laser control of photochemical reactions

Coherent radiative control provides a quantum-interference-based method for controlling molecular dynamics. This theory is reviewed and applications to a variety of processes including photodissociation, asymmetric synthesis and the control of currents in semiconductors are discussed. State-of-the-art computations on the photodissociation of CH3I, IBr, Na2 and H2O are presented to show that a wide range of yield control is possible under suitable laboratory conditions. The role of coherent relative laser phase is emphasized and, in a most recent development, shown to be insignificant in appropriately designed high-field control experiments.