Abstract: Design and optimization of donor and accepter concentration profiles in a diode structure can be effective at suppressing pre-pulses appearing in high power pulses output by semiconductor opening switches that integrate the diode structure. An example diode structure includes an additional n-type region or layer that is gradually doped. For example, a diode structure includes at least three n-type regions, with the additional n-type region being sandwiched between a n-type region with relatively lower doping and a n-type region with relatively higher doping. The n-type region with relatively higher doping may also feature a doping gradient, and thus, the diode structure can include two n-type regions each having a respective doping gradient. Formation of the additional n-type region with its doping gradient at depth within the diode structure is achievable by gradual introduction of the n-type dopant during crystal growth of the diode structure.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Devices, methods and techniques related to the use of a photoconductive semiconductor switch (PCSS) to drive a high-power laser diode for a wide range of pulse widths are disclosed. In one example aspect, a circuit for driving one or more laser diodes includes an input port configured to be coupled to a voltage input, one or more inductors that are configured to be in series with the one or more laser diodes, a photoconductive switch coupled with the one or more inductors, and an output port configured to be coupled to the one or more laser diodes.

Abstract: 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.