Avalanche mode of high-voltage overvolting p+-i-n+-structures switching into conductive state by pulsed lighting

Abstract

A simple analytical theory of high-voltage overvolting p+-i-n+-structures picosecond switching into conducting state by pulsed lighting has been developed. Relationship between parameters of structure, light pulse, external circuit and the main characteristics of the process (pulse current amplitude, delay time and duration of switching process) have been obtained and confirmed by numerical simulation. It was shown that the energy of picosecond light pulse that is needed for effective switching can be reduced by 6-7 orders of magnitude due to the intensive avalanche multiplication of electrons and holes.