Thesis (MSc (Physics))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Through the use of complex Laser Pulse Shaping, numerous fundamental laser induced processes may be controlled as well as studied. This work serves as an introduction into Laser Pulse Shaping, with the focus on a simple Pulse Shaping experiment, as well as to determine whether future, more complex processes may be similarly controlled. A description of Laser Pulse Shaping theory is presented here, along with a full explanation of a simple experiment to maximize second harmonic generation (SHG) through Pulse Shaping. This experiment is simple on a theoretical level yet complicated in both implementation as well as operation. The experimental setup and software integration required hardware compatibility in multiple programming languages. This work was successful in the sense that a fully automated dispersion compensation system, accomplished through the use of a genetic algorithm in a feedback controlled loop, was constructed and tested. The success of this experiment and the understanding gained in this work has laid the foundation for further complex Pulse Shaping systems to be achieved in future. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Komplekse Laserpuls-vervorming kan gebruik word om verskeie fundamentele laser-geinduseerde prosesse beide te beheer asook te bestudeer. Hierdie navorsingstuk dien as n inleiding tot Laserpuls-vervorming, spesifiek gefokus op n eenvoudige Pulsvervormings-eksperiment. Meer komplekse Pulsvervormingsopstellings kan toegepas word deur die kennis opgedoen in hierdie tesis. Die teoretiese agtergrond van Laserpuls-vervormings word bespreek, tesame met n eenvoudige eksperiment om die Tweede Harmoniek Skeppingsproses (SHG) te maksimeer deur van Laserpuls-vervorming gebruik te maak. Die eksperiment is teoreties eenvoudig, waar die implimentering asook bedryf meer kompleks is. Die bedryf van die eksperiment word in 2 dele hanteer: die hoofprogram en n Genetiese Algoritme gebruik in optimering. Die werking van Genetiese Algoritmes asook Ultrakort Pulse (USPs) en pulskarakterisering word ook bespreek. Die suksesvolle opstelling van die experiment en ook die eind resultate wat gevind is, maak dit moontlik om meer ingewikkeld komplekse laserpulsvervorming experimente te bestudeer.