On-board laser-triggered multi-layer semiconductor power switch

Abstract

A laser activated semiconductor switching device has a semiconductor structure housed in a semiconductor structure housing, and a laser array assembly directly connected to the semiconductor structure housing. The laser array assembly houses a plurality of laser diodes and diode control circuitry which energizes the laser diodes to emit light directly onto a surface of the semiconductor structure, which can be the cathode or anode surface, to cause the semiconductor structure to generate current carriers which enable passage of current through the semiconductor structure. The device can further include a second laser array assembly which is connected to the side of the semiconductor structure housing opposite to that on which the first laser array assembly is connected, and is configured to operate in a manner similar to the first laser array assembly. The surfaces of the semiconductor structure can be covered with metal layers having openings which permit the passage of the laser light into the semiconductor structure. The metal layers are reflective to the laser light and prevent the laser light that has passed into the semiconductor structure from exiting the structure to improve current carrier generation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.