Simulation and interpretation of fast rise time light-activated p-i-n diode switches

A simulation program and a comprehensive physical interpretation for risetimes and output powers of the long transit p-i-n diode under high and low optical-pulse excitations as well as at various impedances are presented. The physical interpretation explains the mechanisms of the switch risetime limitation in terms of the cancellation electric field due to separated photocarriers, the induced electric field with various RC time delays, and the optical-pulse energy risetime. Under high optical excitations and long circuit risetimes, the output risetime is determined only by the electric field cancellation time associated with the collapse of the total electric field and decreases with increasing optical-pulse excitation. This is in contrast to the case of low optical-pulse excitations where the risetime is determined by both the circuit risetime and the optical-pulse energy risetime.<
>