Dynamical control: comparison of map and continuous-flow approaches.

Continuous and pulsed forms of control of a multistable system are compared directly, both theoretically and numerically, taking as an example the switching of a periodically driven class-B laser between its stable and unstable pulsing regimes. It is shown that continuous control is the more energy efficient. This result is illuminated by making use of the close correspondence that exists between the problems of energy-optimal control and the stability of a steady state.