Fast opening GaAs photoconductive switch controlled pulsed power system

Summary form only given. A GaAs photoconductive opening switch controlled pulsed power system has been demonstrated which produces a 6 kV, 70 kW pulse with a risetime of less than 10 ns and a power gain of 10. The GaAs photoconductive switch is the essential element in the pulsed power system. The GaAs switch exhibits a conductivity that is sustained for more than 100 ns beyond the laser pulse when switched into a high impedance (500 /spl Omega/) load. This sustained conductivity even occurs at charging voltages that are well below the critical "lock-on" voltage. It is believed that the sustained conductivity and fast opening of the switch may be related to carrier injection at the switch contacts.