Multiple gap optically activated switch

摘要

Solid state optically activated switches in which a plurality of spaced contacts are arranged in a line on one of the broad surfaces of a semiconductor wafer and one or more bridging electrodes are arranged on the opposite broad surface thereof. The two end contacts are the switch terminals. This arrangement directs the electric field and the load current into the bulk of the semiconductor in a zig-zag fashion to provide a high hold-off voltage and a short conduction path. Also the bridging electrode can be used as a control electrode. A novel circuit utilizing such switches is shown.