Atomic phenomena in bichromatic laser fields

We present a review of work that has been done during the last 10 years on atomic scattering and reaction processes in bichromatic laser fields. Of particular interest will be the case where the field is composed of two components of commensurate frequencies, usually consisting of a fundamental component ω and one of its low harmonics 2ω or 3ω. These two components are in general out of phase by an angle ϕ. The above processes are then investigated as a function of the relative phase ϕ. This procedure was termed the coherent phase control (CPC) of the atomic process considered. The idea was originally born in molecular physics as a possible means to manipulate molecular reactions.