Uracil is a key unit of nucleotides in RNA, and thereby one of the crucial players in processing genetic information. As other genetic materials it is susceptible to light, which can lead to unwanted modifications within the chemical structure and finaly to photodamage. In the present work, we will turn the tables and demonstrate how light can be used to steer a genetically important molecule in an intended way. This is possible with the help of shaped laser pulses. Quantum optimal control theory is used to design these laser pulses for specific control aims in the gas phase on ab initio potential energy surfaces.We defined two opposing control aims, namely acceleration and prevention of the femtosecond relaxation dynamics. Our results demonstrate how both of them can be achieved.<br/>

Controlling the photostability of uracil with shaped light fields

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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