A multi-megawatt X-band solid state microwave switch

Summary form only given, as follows. We present design methodology and initial experimental results for a high power microwave switch. The switch is designed for application to the pulse compression system associated with the Next Linear Collider Test Accelerator (NLCTA). The switch is based on the excitation of a plasma layer within a silicon wafer by either a laser or an electron beam. We investigate problems associated with high power operation of such a switch. We explore solutions to the problems of thermal runaway, avalanche breakdown, photo-emission, and secondary emission.