Optical Trigger Path Control for Sequential PCSS Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optically-controlled semiconductor devices require multiple optical triggers or simultaneous triggering, which increases design complexity and limits circuit design options, and high-speed switching off is difficult without disconnecting the electrical source.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a single optical trigger and controlling optical path lengths to trigger multiple semiconductor devices with precise time differentials, enabling picosecond timing precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each PCSS has its own optical trigger source, then the reliability of triggering is improved, but the device complexity increases greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple triggering functions into a single optical trigger source by using beam splitters to distribute the optical signal to multiple PCSS devices. This merging approach maintains reliable triggering for each device while significantly reducing the overall number of optical sources required, thereby reducing design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beam splitters as intermediary components between the single optical trigger source and the multiple PCSS devices. These beam splitters act as mediators that distribute the optical trigger signal to different devices with controlled timing, enabling reliable triggering without requiring each device to have its own dedicated source.
2Device complexity
If the same optical trigger is used for multiple PCSS, then the device complexity is reduced, but the circuit design options are limited due to simultaneous triggering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical trigger signal into multiple temporally separated paths using beam splitters and controlled optical path lengths. This segmentation allows the single optical source to trigger multiple PCSS devices at different times, creating diverse circuit design options while maintaining low device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the dimension of time by creating temporal separation between triggering events for different PCSS devices. By controlling optical path lengths to create picosecond-scale timing differences, the system transforms a spatial limitation (single source) into a temporal advantage (sequential triggering), greatly expanding circuit design possibilities.
3Power
If operating in non-linear mode, then the power handling capability is improved, but the ability to turn off quickly without disconnecting electrical source deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using optical triggering to preemptively control the switching state of PCSS devices in non-linear mode. The optical trigger initiates controlled switching transitions that can rapidly turn off the devices without requiring disconnection of the electrical source, counteracting the inherent slow switching-off problem of non-linear operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables complex circuit designs and high-speed, precise switching of optically-controlled semiconductor devices without multiple triggers, facilitating applications in directed energy, pulsed power, medical, and high energy physics fields.
Implementation Method 1
photoconductive semiconductor switches (PCSSs) require an optical trigger to activate
Implementation Method 2
at least one a beam splitter positioned to split the optical beam into at least two split optical beams
Implementation Method 3
split the optical beam into at least two split optical beams with each of the at least two split optical beams directed toward a different one of the at least two optically-controlled semiconductor devices
Data Source
AI summary
A system for triggering optically-controlled semiconductor devices, such as photoconductive semiconductor switches (PCSSs), in a defined order includes at least two optically-controlled semiconductor devices, an optical trigger selectively projecting an optical beam therefrom, wherein the optical beam is compatible with the at least two optically-controlled semiconductor devices to trigger the at least two optically-controlled semiconductor devices, and at least one a beam splitter positioned to split the optical beam into at least two split optical beams with each of the at least two split optical beams directed toward a different one of the at least two optically-controlled semiconductor devices. Each optical path from the optical trigger to one of the at least two optically-controlled semiconductor devices has a different length so that each of the at least two optically-controlled semiconductor devices are triggered with defined time differentials.