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GaAs photoconductive semiconductor switch

Patent ·
OSTI ID:672705
A high gain, optically triggered, photoconductive semiconductor switch (PCSS) implemented in GaAs as a reverse-biased pin structure with a passivation layer above the intrinsic GaAs substrate in the gap between the two electrodes of the device is disclosed. The reverse-biased configuration in combination with the addition of the passivation layer greatly reduces surface current leakage that has been a problem for prior PCSS devices and enables employment of the much less expensive and more reliable DC charging systems instead of the pulsed charging systems that needed to be used with prior PCSS devices. 5 figs.
Research Organization:
Sandia Corporation
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
Assignee:
Sandia Corp., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5,804,815/A/
Application Number:
PAN: 8-675,975
OSTI ID:
672705
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English