Optimal quantum control: Designing lasers for controlling quantum systems

In this article, we present an overview of theory and technique for optimal control of molecular dynamics using tailored light fields. The goal of this research is to design an optical field, which can drive a system to a desired target state with a fairly high probability and low power expenditure. For the laboratory implementation of the designed field, it is desirable that it has simple frequency structure and that the control outcome is robust in the presence of noise which will always accompany the field. The ability of the control field to cooperate with noise in the manipulation of quantum dynamics is also discussed.