Photonic power electronics: Past, present, and future

Abstract

This manuscript provides a brief outline on a relatively new line of work with focus on optically-switched power-electronics and switched-power systems. An abridged overview on some of the chronological work with regard to optical power semiconductor device technology and controls provided. Finally, looking forward some of the potential application areas are captured.

Generation of an ultra-short electrical pulse with width shorter than the excitation laser

“…Gallium arsenide photoconductive semiconductor switch is an excellent optically-activated pulsed power device1234. It has many advantages over the conventional electrically-triggered device, such as simple structure, fast response, low jitter and high repetition rate15.…”

“…It has many advantages over the conventional electrically-triggered device, such as simple structure, fast response, low jitter and high repetition rate15. It has the potential to significantly increase the switching frequencies for all power levels and is capable of generating high-power ultrashort pulses16. It is widely known that GaAs PCSS has two operating modes, the linear mode and the high-gain mode (also called “lock-on” mode)78.…”

“…Gallium arsenide photoconductive semiconductor switch is an excellent optically-activated pulsed power device 1 2 3 4 . It has many advantages over the conventional electrically-triggered device, such as simple structure, fast response, low jitter and high repetition rate 1 5 . It has the potential to significantly increase the switching frequencies for all power levels and is capable of generating high-power ultrashort pulses 1 6 .…”