Bulk avalanche semiconductor switch using partial light penetrat

Details Bulk avalanche semiconductor switch using partial light penetrat Bulk avalanche semiconductor switch using partial light penetrat

1987-09-03

1988-11-01

Nelms, David C.

Radiant energy

Photocells; circuits and apparatus

Photocell controlled circuit

H01J 4014

Patent

active

047822228

ABSTRACT:
A switch using an improved method of optically-triggered avalanche breakdown which can produce pulses of 100 picoseconds duration that can deliver five kilovolts into 50 ohms using a standard laser diode. A semiconductor block is provided with contacts on opposing sides across which a high-voltage less than the avalanche breakdown voltage is applied. The semiconductor block is then irradiated with electromagnetic radiation. The wavelength of the radiation and the absorption co-efficient of the semiconductor block are chosen so that the absorption depth of the majority of the radiation is less than the distance between the contacts. This results in a photoconduction area where absorption occurs, thus applying most of the high voltage across the distance beyond the photoconduction area. This provides field compression and generates an avalanche breakdown field across the remaining distance of the semiconductor block. Fast switching of large currents is obtained through the dual use of photoconduction as a trigger and subsequent avalanche conduction.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4218618 (1980-08-01), Mourou
patent: 4301362 (1981-11-01), Mourou
patent: 4347437 (1982-08-01), Mourou
patent: 4438331 (1984-03-01), Davis

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Bulk avalanche semiconductor switch using partial light penetrat does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Bulk avalanche semiconductor switch using partial light penetrat, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Bulk avalanche semiconductor switch using partial light penetrat will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-892085