Light activated solid-state opening switches

Author

Petr, R.A. ; Kachen, G.I. ; Reilly, J.P. ; Schaefer, R.B. ; Heyse, M.W.

Author_Institution

W.J. Schafer Associates, Chelmsford, MA, USA

Volume

29

Issue

1

fYear

1993

fDate

1/1/1993 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

1033

Lastpage

1036

Abstract

Light-activated cryogenic silicon opening switches were designed and tested in an inductive power circuit. Current interruption times of 20 μS at current densities of 75 A/cm² were demonstrated with flashlamp optical sources at 77 K. Photoswitch measurements and modeling show that electrical contacts, optical trigger, and window design are critical parameters in optimizing opening switch on-stage current and voltage commutation. Technology paths have been identified for increasing photoswitch power ratings and include room-temperature operation using laser diode arrays. The demonstrated high average power operation and power density capability of light-activated opening switches make them a viable switch technology for developing compact inductive power systems

Keywords

inductive energy storage; photoconducting devices; semiconductor switches; switches; 20 mus; 77 K; cryogenic silicon opening switches; current interruption; electrical contacts; flashlamp optical sources; high average power operation; inductive power circuit; inductive power systems; laser diode arrays; light activated; on-stage current; optical trigger; photoswitch measurements; power density; room-temperature operation; solid-state opening switches; voltage commutation; window design; Circuit testing; Cryogenics; Current density; Current measurement; Density measurement; Electric variables measurement; Optical switches; Silicon; Solid state circuits; Switching circuits;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Magnetics, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9464

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/20.195722

Filename

195722