  We theoretically show that terahertz pulses with controlled amplitude and
frequency can be used to switch between stable transport modes in layered
superconductors, modelled as stacks of Josephson junctions. We find pulse
shapes that deterministically switch the transport mode between
superconducting, resistive and solitonic states. We develop a simple model that
explains the switching mechanism as a destablization of the centre of mass
excitation of the Josephson phase, made possible by the highly non-linear
nature of the light-matter coupling.
