Ligh activated high power integrated pulser

摘要

A high power pulse generating system for use in impulse radar systems and the like contains a plurality of pulser units. The pulser units are circular shaped PIN diodes which integrates a light activated switch and a storage capacitor into a single structure formed on a semiconducting wafer. The pulser units have the capability of outputting pulses having a width of less than one nanosecond, facilitating high power output. The outputs of the pulser units are combined when each of the pulser units is simultaneously discharged using multiple laser pulses. In another embodiment a voltage step-up transformer is formed by a PIN diode structure having a diameter of approximately 60 mm. This device has the capability of outputting voltage amplitudes equal to or greater than the voltage level used to charge the PIN diode.