A semi-classical implementation of quantum control using Gaussian wave packet dynamics

Quantum control has previously been implemented using the exact time dependent Schrِdinger equation (TDSE). Such calculations are limited by computational difficulty to systems with only a few degrees of freedom. In order to implement quantum control in many-atom systems, with sufficient accuracy and computational speed, we explore here a semi-classical implementation in the weak response regime whereby the TDSE is solved approximately using Gaussian wave packet (GWP) dynamics. We demonstrate by example that, for suitable systems and targets, the GWP representation of the evolving quantum system can be used to accurately calculate globally optimal light fields.