Investigation of a combined PCSS and magnetic switch triggered by laser diode

Based on the characteristics of the Si photoconductive semiconductor switch (PCSS) and the magnetic switch (MS), a new combined switch is developed. The combined switch integrates a traditional Si PCSS and a normal magnetic switch. Compared with normal magnetic switch, the combined switch can withstand a charge time of several tens microsecond and give an output voltage with several tens nanosecond rise time. The combined switch also can reduce the power of the laser for triggering the traditional single Si PCSS and then laser diode can be used. The traditional single Si PCSS and the combined switch were triggered by laser diode for comparison.