Implementation of self-directed control of pulsed laser deposition (PL
D) requires actuators, sensors, and a materials and processing knowled
ge base. Improvements in quality and reproducibility of material depos
its are achieved by driving the process toward desired operating regio
ns. Empirical relationships are determined experimentally to describe
the complex dynamical interactions of laser parameters. Feedback contr
ol based on this description can then be implemented to reduce process
disorder and effectively produce consistent coatings with desired pro
perties.