Optical control of semiconductor closing and opening switches

Recent progress in the research of high-power photoconductive semiconductor switches is reviewed. Material issues and switch design considerations are discussed. High-power ultra-wide-band microwave generation using these switches and a pulse-forming network is presented. The application of the photoconductive switch both as a closing and and as an opening switch in an inductive energy storage system has been demonstrated. Electric pulse compression with a peak power gain of 30 has been observed. Future prospects in this area of research are discussed.<
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