PCSS Trigger Timing Using Optical Path Length Differences
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed switching of photoconductive semiconductor switches (PCSS) requires either multiple optical triggers, increasing design complexity, or simultaneous triggering, limiting circuit design options, and lacks precise control for turning off in non-linear mode, especially at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
Using optical path length differences to trigger multiple PCSS devices from a single optical trigger source with picosecond precision by splitting and directing an optical beam through varying path lengths, allowing for controlled timing and activation of multiple switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If each PCSS has its own trigger source, then switching precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single optical trigger beam is segmented into multiple separate beams using beam splitters, with each beam directed to a different PCSS device. This segmentation allows independent timing control of each PCSS while using a single trigger source, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical path elements (beam splitters, mirrors, optical fibers) serve as intermediaries between the single trigger source and multiple PCSS devices. These intermediaries enable precise timing control by introducing controlled path length differences, achieving multi-device triggering precision without requiring multiple trigger sources.
2Device complexity
If the same trigger source is used for multiple PCSS, then device complexity is reduced, but timing control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path lengths are made dynamically adjustable using translation stages and movable mirrors, allowing precise control of timing differentials between PCSS devices. This dynamic adjustment capability enables picosecond-level timing precision while maintaining a single trigger source architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing control is achieved by changing the optical path length parameter for each beam path. By adjusting path lengths through movable optical elements or different fiber lengths, precise timing differentials are introduced without adding multiple trigger sources, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving high precision.
3Measurement precision
If optical path lengths are increased for precise timing, then timing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical trigger beam is copied into multiple identical beams using beam splitters, with each copy traveling a different path length to reach different PCSS devices. This copying approach enables independent timing control without requiring complex modulation or multiple sources, achieving precision through path length variation alone.
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 precise timing and activation of multiple PCSS devices with picosecond precision, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies in high-speed switching and non-linear mode operation, applicable in directed energy, medical, and high-energy physics fields.
Implementation Method 1
PCSSs require an optical trigger to activate
Implementation Method 2
The optical path consists of at least one of an optical fiber, a mirror arrangement, and a lens arrangement
Implementation Method 3
The optical path consists of at least one of an optical fiber, a mirror arrangement, and a lens arrangement
Implementation Method 4
Splitting the optical beam consists of at least one of a partially-reflective mirror, reflection off a lens, fiber coupling to optical fibers, and a polarizing beam splitter
Implementation Method 5
transmitting a beam through a solid having a higher index of refraction than other beam path(s)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for triggering switches in a defined order comprises providing two or more PCSS devices and a compatible optical trigger; projecting a beam from the optical trigger; splitting the optical beam into two or more paths toward the two or more PCSS devices, wherein each of the two or more paths has a different length such that each of the two or more PCSS devices are triggered with defined time differentials. Each of the defined path lengths may be determined with the speed of light from the optical trigger along the two or more paths in order to achieve the desired switch-timing differential. The optical path consists of at least one of an optical fiber, a mirror arrangement, and a lens arrangement. Path lengths may be controlled by different fiber lengths, and transmitting a beam through a solid having a higher index of refraction than other beam path(s).