Welcome to the home of the Dantus Research Group at Michigan State University.

Since the invention of the laser, scientists have dreamed of using it to deliver energy with enough finesse to control the outcomes of laser-matter interactions. Along these lines several dream applications have been conceived, such as laser control of chemical synthesis, automated laser optimization based on a known laser-matter response, selective laser detection of cancer at the molecular level, and smart laser identification of chemical and biological warfare agents. The realization of these dreams has proven extremely difficult. The scientific and technological advancements required to achieve robust progress became available only by the year 2000.

Our research group has embraced the goal of converting the laser control dreams into reality. Among our successes we list the following:

• Automated laser optimization based on the known nonlinear response of matter to laser pulses.
  
• Controlled nonlinear optical excitation of large molecules including proteins.
  
• Functional imaging (pH sensitive) through biological tissue.
  
• Identification and quantification of chemical agents in complex mixtures.

We are presently working on highly significant projects related to remote detection of chemical compounds, selective photodynamic therapy to eliminate viral infection, laser control of single molecules or nanoparticles, and the development of novel nonlinear optical spectroscopy methods.

This diverse research program requires state-of-the-art laser systems (we have four such systems), the last two being developed as part of a 2004-2006 major instrumentation grant from the NSF. These lasers are split evenly between two laser laboratories, one dedicated to high intensity laser-matter interactions and the other to microscopy and biomedical imaging.

Strong interaction between experiment and theory has allowed us to develop physical models that speed up our progress. We are forming close collaborations with groups within MSU and outside of MSU to explore applications in diverse areas such as medicine.