Abstract

This paper discusses the use of bulk photoconductivity tor switching short pulses (≤ 1 μsec) and scalable voltages (50 kV/cm of length) and currents (5 kA/cm of width) with subnanosecond rise times. The principles and advantages of optically controlled photoconductive power switches (POPS) will be outlined. To describe the development of PCPS technology at Los Alamos in the past two years, we will discuss semiconductor geometry and fabrication procedures, the optical illumination system, dynamic switching results, and pulse charge data.

© 1985 Optical Society of America