Photoconductive semiconductor switch experiments for pulsed power applications

Experiments have been performed to develop photoconductive semiconductor switches (PCSSs) for pulsed power applications that cannot be implemented with traditional high-power switching technology. A scalable lateral PCSS configuration has been tested and has demonstrated a potential for faster risetimes, less jitter, lower inductance, faster recovery, and optical triggering for new pulse power projects. These switches have been used as both closing and toggling switches at repetition rates up to 40 MHz. A high-field, gain mechanism (lock-on) was explored and tested which may eliminate the major disadvantage of this type of switch, its requirement for large optical trigger energies.< >