Fast Laser Pulse Shaping for Molecular Control and CB Detection

We propose the development of a commercial prototype laser pulse shaping system for the defense, industrial and academic communities for advanced laser processing applications. The system will be used for closed-loop control of molecular reactions and dynamics by coherent electromagnetic fields. During Phase I we built and tested a breadboard system and due to its simplified optical system showed it to have higher performance characteristics than other systems in existence. In Phase II we seek to reduce this breadboard system to a commercial prototype. This prototype will embody all of the advanced features of the Phase I system while incorporating advanced algorithms and for control. Once the system is completed we will again demonstrate molecular reaction control by modifying the mass spectrum resulting from the decomposition of dimethyl methylphosphonate, a simulant for the chemical nerve agent Sarin. We will cleave the methyl group or the methoxy upon demand using the that system as a component of a strong field closed-loop photonic reactor consisting of a laser system, the proposed laser pulse shaping system, TOF mass spectrum analyzer and a control system running adaptive feedback pattern recognition codes.