Switching quantum dynamics for fast preparation of pure states

We propose, study and compare control strategies for preparing pure quantum states by switching dissipative dynamics. We show that with a suitable joint linear transformation the quantum (affine) dynamical generators can be transformed into linear ones, and classical results can be applied. In particular we describe and compare stabilize time-based and state-based switching rules, showing that the latter can be designed in order to outperform the former, as well as a non-switching strategy. In addition, state-based switching retains robustness with respect to initialization when the target is a pure state.