Photon Initiated Thyristor Switches

Summary form only given. Compact, reliable solid state pulsed power switches can be an enabling technology for many applications. Compact, highspeed switches are needed to reduce the size and weight and improve the reliability of pulse power modulators and pulse forming networks. Methods for achieving the maximum possible performance are dependent on the fundamental limitations of the material of choice. Many technical challenges exist regarding materials development as well as device design for compact size, weight, long lifetime, fast turn on or turn off time, high efficiency, triggering, and packaging.