We know the laws governing the dynamics of molecules, they are quantum mechanics and Coulomb forces. Why, then, is it so difficult to understand these dynamics? Why can't we control the flow of electrons in molecules at our whim? The many-body problem is hard, especially if the interactions are on timescales we struggle to match in experiments. These are the fundamental difficulties in controlling the electrons that determine bonding and energy transfer in molecules. Experimentally and theoretically, however, we are making progress in our ability to address this difficult problem. I will present my group's recent efforts to develop theoretical tools to treat this problem accurately and efficiently. These tools have lead to a number of successes in controlling ionization dynamics in molecules. I will also put our calculations in context with the most promising experiments to reveal the nature of many-electron quantum dynamics.
