Sub-picosecond laser pulse driven localization of electronic excitation energy is suggested for a biological chromophore complex. Based on an exciton model of the photosynthetic core antenna PSI of Synechococcus elongatus the shape of the respective laser pulse is calculated using optimal control theory combined with a density matrix theory accounting for energy relaxation and dephasing caused by the protein environment. As a target observable we choose the population oscillation after photo-excitation between the two Chlorophylls forming the special pair. The temperature dependence of the related control yield is studied as well as its dependence on the pulses duration. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.