Issues

The absorption of 30 or more infrared photons can raise a molecule into a highly excited vibrational state, leading to some intriguing problems in physical chemistry, quantum electronics and statistical mechanics.

This new class of ultraviolet lasers, very efficient and apparently scalable to high power, promises to be of value in such applications as photochemical separation.

Examples of ultrafast photoprocesses now being studied include vibrational dynamics of molecules, primary photobiological mechanisms and electronic processes in semiconductors.

Will a series of nuclear explosions in miniature pellets of hydrogen, ignited to fusion by laser‐light beams, become a long‐term method for supplying the world's energy needs?

This year's conference will be sparked by a series of guest speakers, a special session on chemical and molecular lasers, the presentation of the Quantum Electronics Award and an extensive exhibit of scientific instruments.