DE2931649

A light activated silicon switch (LASS) is disclosed in which light is transmitted from a light trigger source to appropriate target areas on the body of the silicon wafer. The optical conduits for transmitting the light, such as optical fibers, are preferably underlaid with a metallic coating for establishing electrical contact to the silicon wafer, and are arranged on the surface of the silicon wafer, in a pattern so as to afford the least impediment to thermal conduction. The target areas may be spread over the active areas of the silicon wafer so as to approximate uniform turn-on. In one arrangement, the optical channels are arranged radially on the substantially circular silicon wafer, in cooperation with symmetrically placed target spots.