Optically controlled bulk semiconductor switch not requiring radiation to sustain conduction

摘要

A light activated semiconductor switch is capable of carrying large currents without requiring continuous illumination of the semiconductor to sustain conduction. The switch includes a block of semiconductor material having ohmic contacts connectable to first and second electrical conductors and a deep acceptor level between conduction and valence bands that may be counterdoped with shallow donors. The source of light used to switch between the ON and OFF states is an electromagnetic radiation device which directs first and second beams onto the block between the ohmic contacts. The first beam causes photo-excitation of electrons form the deep acceptor level into the conduction band to provide initial electrons for conduction between the first and second electrical conductors. The second beam causes electrons from the conduction band and holes from the deep acceptor level to combine, thereby interrupting conduction between the first and second electrical conductors.