Photoconductive switch enhancements and lifetime studies for use in stacked Blumlein pulsers

Photoconductive switching of the stacked Blumlein pulsers, developed at the University of Texas at Dallas, currently produces high-power nanosecond pulses with risetimes on the order of 200 ps. The device has a compact geometry and is commutated by a single GaAs switch triggered by a low-power laser diode array. This report presents the progress toward improving the high-gain switch operation and lifetime in stacked Blumlein pulsers. Feasibility of the use of amorphic diamond to enhance the switch operation and longevity is studied. Improvement in switch lifetime was demonstrated by coating the triggered face of a GaAs switch cathode with highly adhesive film of amorphic diamond. Relevant semiconductor properties of amorphic diamond are discussed.