Subnanosecond, high-voltage photoconductive switching in GaAs

Robert L. Druce; Michael D. Pocha; Kenneth L. Griffin; Jim O'Bannon

doi:10.1117/12.25040

1 March 1991 Subnanosecond, high-voltage photoconductive switching in GaAs

Robert L. Druce, Michael D. Pocha, Kenneth L. Griffin, Jim O'Bannon

Proceedings Volume 1378, Optically Activated Switching; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.25040
Event: Advances in Intelligent Robotics Systems, 1990, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

We are conducting research on the switching properties of photoconductive materials to explore their potential for generating highpower microwaves (HPM) and for high reprate switching. We have investigated the performance of Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) in linear mode (the conductivity of the device follows the optical pulse) as well as an avalanchelike mode (the optical pulse only controls switch closing) . Operating in the unear mode we have observed switch closing times of less than 200 Ps with a 100 ps duration laser pulse and opening times of less than 400 ps at several kV/cm fields using neutron irradiated GaAs. In avalanche and lockon modes high fields are switched with lower laser pulse energies resulting in higher efficiencies but with measurable switching delay and jitter. We are currently investigating both large area (1 cm2) and small area 1 mm2) switches illuminated by AlGaAs laser diodes at 900 nm and Nd:YAG lasers at 1. 06 tim.

Citation Download Citation

Robert L. Druce, Michael D. Pocha, Kenneth L. Griffin, and Jim O'Bannon "Subnanosecond, high-voltage photoconductive switching in GaAs", Proc. SPIE 1378, Optically Activated Switching, (1 March 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.25040

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available