Laser diode driver with photoconductive switch

Abstract

Components, methods, and techniques related to the use of a photoconductive semiconductor switch (PCSS) for driving a high-power laser diode over a wide range of pulse widths are disclosed. In one exemplary aspect, a circuit for driving one or more laser diodes comprises an input port designed to be coupled to a voltage input, one or more inductors designed to be in series with the one or more laser diodes, a photoconductive switch coupled to the one or more inductors, and an output port designed to be coupled to the one or more laser diodes.