Apparatus and method for optically initiating collapse of a reverse biased P-type-N-type junction to cause a semiconductor switch to transition from a current blocking mode to a current conduction mode

An optically-activated switching apparatus, comprising:

• a. a semiconductor device, comprising:
• i. a first layer comprising a P-type semiconductor material;
• ii. a second layer comprising a material doped with a mid-band dopant, wherein the second layer is in contact with the first layer;
• iii. a third layer comprising an Intrinsic-type or slightly N-type semiconductor material, wherein the third layer is in contact with the second layer thereby forming a semiconductor interface between the second layer and the third layer;
• and
• iv. a fourth layer comprising an N-type semiconductor material, wherein the fourth layer is in contact with the third layer;
• b. a reverse biasing circuit electrically connected to the semiconductor device to apply a reverse bias to the semiconductor device;
• and
• c. an optical energy source configured to selectively direct optical energy onto the semiconductor device.

A method for optically activating a semiconductor switch, wherein the switch comprises a first layer comprising a P-type semiconductor material, a second layer comprising a semiconductor material doped with a mid-band dopant, a third layer comprising an Intrinsic-type or slightly N-type semiconductor material, and a fourth layer comprising an N-type semiconductor material, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

• a. reverse biasing the switch by applying a source potential comprising a positive lead and a negative lead, wherein the positive lead is electrically connected to the fourth layer and the negative lead is electrically connected to the first layer;
• b. directing an optical energy source toward the semiconductor switch;
• and
• c. activating the optical energy source to apply sufficient optical energy to cause an electric field at a depletion layer adjacent an interface within the semiconductor switch to exceed a breakdown level, thereby enabling a flow of current.