A hybrid quantum control scheme that combines incoherent excitation processes with coherent excitation processes in desorption induced by multiple electronic transitions (DIMET) is proposed on the basis of optimal control theory. The desorption is induced by hot electrons (incoherent excitation), while the initial configuration and/or kinetic energy of the adsorbate complex is coherently controlled by optimal IR pulses. To show its effectiveness, the results of application of this hybrid control to a 'toy model' representing DIMET of NO/Pt(111) are presented by solving the pulse design equations under the influence of strong dissipation. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.