Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC

US Government as Represented by the Secretary of the Army

Bae Systems Land & Armaments L.p.

Caitlin Anne Chapin

Lars F Voss

Joseph Devin Schneider

John Berns Lancaster

Adam M Conway

Michael Charles Rushford

Mark S Rader

Sara Elizabeth Harrison

Victor V Khitrov

Tammy Chang

Steve Hawkins

Alexander Peter Povilus

Noah Patrick Allen

Luis M Hernandez

Laura Leos

Devices, methods and techniques related to photoconductive switches using diamond are disclosed. In one example aspect, a photoconductive apparatus includes a diamond layer positioned to receive a light. The diamond layer is doped with nitrogen. The apparatus also includes a first electrode coupled to the diamond layer to provide a first electrical contact for the diamond layer, and a second electrode coupled to the diamond layer to provide a second electrical contact for the diamond layer and configured to reflect the light back to the diamond layer. The first electrode and the second electrode are configured to establish an electric field across the diamond layer in response to receiving the light.

Photoconductive switch with diamond

In one general embodiment, a structure includes a first diode, comprising: a first layer having a first type of dopant, and a second layer above the first layer, the second layer having a second type of dopant that is opposite to the first type of dopant. A second diode is formed directly on the first diode. The second diode comprises a first layer having a third type of dopant and a second layer above the first layer of the second diode, the second layer of the second diode having a fourth type of dopant that is opposite to the third type of dopant. In another general embodiment, a process includes a repeated sequence of growing a first layer having a first type of electrically active dopant and growing a second layer having a second type of electrically active dopant that is opposite to the first type of dopant.

Monolithic growth of epitaxial silicon devices via co-doping

Methods and devices for illuminating a photoconductive switch consisting of an optically actuated photoconductive material situated between two electrodes are described. Light from a light source is coupled to an optical fiber, which is attached to a frustum, the other side of which is proximate to the photoconductive switch. Light from the optical fiber enters the frustum, spreads out, and enters the photoconductive switch via the top-side electrode. Some of the light is absorbed, while the remaining light reflects off the bottom-side electrode, travels back through the photoconductive switch, and any unabsorbed light reenters the frustum. The geometry of the frustum is configured such that most of the light reflects back into the switch itself with only a negligible fraction escaping from the optical fiber, which advantageously results in near total utilization of the light.

Illumination frustums for photoconductive switches

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Fremont, CA, United States of America

Caitlin Anne Chapin