During the past few decades, two techniques have transformed the ways in which researchers can probe molecular processes: coherent control over dynamic processes by manipulating quantum interference effects with shaped laser pulses, and single-molecule detection. Brinks et al. now show that the two approaches can be combined, allowing not only the observation but also the manipulation of vibrational wave-rnpacket interference in individual molecules at ambient conditions. The single-molecule approach ensures that the ultimate degree of coherent control can be realized, which could help unravel details of molecular function and how it may be affected by dynamics in systems as diverse as light-harvesting complexes, photo-active proteins, conjugated polymers and metallic or metal-organic hybrid nanostructures.
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