Optimal coherent control of sensitivity and selectivity in spectrochemical analysis

The number and breadth of coherently controlled chemical processes are escalating exponentially since the recent convergence of stable broadband ultrafast laser sources, robust pulse shaping devices, and closed-loop optimization routines. We show here how these methods can also be applied to spectrochemical analysis. We discuss the basics of optimal coherent control and describe their use, both present and future, to enhance the sensitivity and/or selectivity of several different spectroscopic analytical methods.