Short Summary
High Speed Light
Activated On/Off Thyristor
Dr. David Giorgi
99-17
EISG Project Title: High Speed Light
Activated On/Off Thyristor
EISG Grant Number: 99-17
PIER Area: Strategic
Principal Investigator: David Giorgi
Contact Information: (858) 452-8787 Ext 125 dgiorgi@optiswitch.com
Organization: OptiSwitch Technology
Grant Amount: $74,900
Grant Term: 6 Months
Project Description:
The purpose of this project is to research the feasibility of developing an all-light controlled On/Off thyristor power switch. This effort leverages prior development of a light activated switch capable only of Turn-On that was developed for surge protection applications. This effort will add Turn-Off capability to the light activated switch thereby extending its potential use into a wide range of electrical devices that can benefit from smaller, lighter and more efficient high speed power switches. Preliminary physical tests will be performed to demonstrate feasibility.
Proposed Outcomes:
· Using 2D simulation code a mathematical model will be developed of the light controlled thyristor.
· Specifications for required laser light source.
Process steps for device fabrication..
Anticipated Benefits:
· Increase Turn-Off current density capability over existing thyristor switches by a factor of four to 100 A/cm2 while maintaining a 1us Turn-On time.
· This technology will enable power switches to be made smaller and lighter than existing switches which should reduce manufacturing costs.
· Light activated switches are more reliable since they are not susceptible to faulty triggering from electrical noise.
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