Young researchers, when they have just joined a research group, are all too often sent to the library with a photocopying card and the assurance that all the necessary background information can be found in the journals. Those following this advice soon start showing signs of sleepless nights and attacks of panic. The student has studied physics for a number of years, believing it to be the mother of all sciences, but suddenly existential thoughts make all other vocations seem much more relevant. At this stage the risk of dropping out of science is very high. However, those who succeed along this path are destined for a successful academic career and will proudly give the same advice to the next generation. Fortunately, most students are wise enough to approach a young colleague, who is all too familiar with the problem of where to find relevant information for the real beginner.

This book is aimed primarily at postgraduate students and postdoctoral research assistants. The research area of ‘molecules and clusters in intense laser fields’ is itself quite young and also rapidly developing. Not surprisingly, a proper introduction has been lacking. It seemed appropriate, therefore, to write an introductory text, particularly since interest in the subject is growing. Since the young researcher would normally approach his peers for practical information, it was thought beneficial for the scope of this book if the authors themselves were quite young.