Photoconductive switch enhancements and lifetime studies for use in stacked Blumlein pulsers

Photoconductive switching of the stacked Blumlein pulsers, developed at the University of Texas at Dallas, currently produces high-power nanosecond pu lses with risetimes on the order of 200 ps, The device has a compact geomet ry and is commutated by a single GaAs switch triggered by a low-power laser diode array. This report presents the progress toward improving the high-g ain switch operation and lifetime in stacked Blumlein pulsers, Feasibility of the use of amorphic diamond to enhance the switch operation and longevit y is studied. Improvement in switch lifetime was demonstrated by coating th e triggered face of a GaAs switch cathode with highly adhesive film of amor phic diamond. Relevant semiconductor properties of amorphic diamond are dis cussed.