Introduction

During the last decade the use of laser radiation has grown far beyond its traditional role as a convenient, bright and spectrally narrow source of light. In particular, the coherence properties of the radiation have been put to use for very detailed and fine work in spectroscopy, collision dynamics and the manipulation of both the internal structure and the center of mass motion of atoms and molecules. These are the key words describing the work program of the research network "Laser Controlled Dynamics of Molecular Processes and Applications (ERB-CHR-XTC-94-0603),' established by the European Union under the program "Human Capital and Mobility (HCM)' with the intent of sending young researchers (postdocs and students) across national borders within the European Union.