Compact and Shock Resistant Photoconductive Switch

Wide bandgap semi-insulating semiconductors with extrinsic levels of carriers have been used to successfully demonstrate the feasibility of high performance photoconductive switches by benefiting high critical field strength and high-saturated electron mobility. However, further developments of photoconductive switch and the pulse laser are necessary for launchable RF module. Leveraging on our extensive experiences in high power fiber optics, EO and semiconductor processing, Agiltron proposes to develop the compact high-voltage switching module integrated with all-fiber pulse laser triggering source based on wide bandgap semi-insulating material. This switch module will be designed to have high shock resistance, and integrate-able in RF transmission line for forming high power self-contained RF module. In Phase I, the comprehensive investigations will be performed to design the photoconductive switch and all-fiber pulse laser source with great saving in size and weight as well as power consumption, which will be integrated with the prototype of transmission line in Phase II. The basic fiber optic high voltage switch will be evaluated in lab. Based on success in Phase I, we will prototype a self-contained RF module in Phase II.