Ultra-fast electrical switching using optical path length differences

Abstract

A method for triggering switches in a defined order comprises providing two or more PCSS devices and a compatible optical trigger; projecting a beam from the optical trigger; splitting the optical beam into two or more paths toward the two or more PCSS devices, wherein each of the two or more paths has a different length such that each of the two or more PCSS devices are triggered with defined time differentials. Each of the defined path lengths may be determined with the speed of light from the optical trigger along the two or more paths in order to achieve the desired switch-timing differential. The optical path consists of at least one of an optical fiber, a mirror arrangement, and a lens arrangement. Path lengths may be controlled by different fiber lengths, and transmitting a beam through a solid having a higher index of refraction than other beam path(s).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.