The unprecedented properties of laser accelerated ion beams result from a highly organized ion emission scenario at the laser-driven source. Multi-channel high resolution ion spectroscopy reveals exact and strong correlation between spectral characteristics and ion trajectories in the beam. These properties are coupled to a well defined ion source evolution as suggested by the experimental data. Such beams are ideal candidates for manipulation with well-established ion beam optics. This is demonstrated with a set of magnetic quadrupole lenses in order to achieve beam collimation and monochromatization.