Control of quantum dynamics: The dream is alive

In atomic and molecular physics, a long sought-after dream has been the use of optical fields to steer wavepackets into desired states. The inherent mechanism of such control consists of manipulating quantum mechanical constructive and destructive interferences. Finding the proper control fields is a problem of design, best expressed in terms of control theory. An overview of the latest developments in this field will be given, along with an indication of where the subject is heading. copyright 1995 American Institute of Physics