For some time, scientists have used ultrafast-pulse lasers to track, control and modify molecular or atomic behaviour.
Optics now dominates fast measurements in all areas of science.
With current femtosecond technology, almost all chemical processes can be observed in real time. By applying a sequence of ultrashort pulses, any dynamic process can, in principle, be re-routed as it progresses. We are investigating electronic relaxation and energy flow in molecules using time-resolved photoelectron and photoionization spectroscopy. We are also exploring control of dynamic processes and material properties with optical phase. Lasers '99, ed.