The role of theory in the laboratory control of quantum dynamics phenomena

Interest in the control of quantum dynamics phenomena has grown in recent years, with laboratory studies showing increasing successes. The role of theory in the control of quantum phenomena encompasses the design of laser controls, the development of algorithms to guide the laboratory studies, and the means to analyze the ensuing dynamics observations. Laboratory laser control instrumentation has the special capability of performing massive numbers of experiments in a short period of time, to rapidly search for controls that meet the objectives. This unique laboratory feature needs to be factored in when considering how to best utilize theoretical analyses. The present paper reviews the role that theory is playing, as well as suggests some future avenues for theory in the laser control of quantum phenomena. Received: 8 June 2002 / Accepted: 7 October 2002 / Published online: 10 March 2003 Acknowledgements. The author acknowledges support from the National Science Fund and the US Department of Defense.