Self-consistent 2D simulations of filament propagation in photoconducting switches

Peter W. Rambo; William S. Lawson; C. David Capps; R. Aaron Falk

doi:10.1117/12.198646

4 January 1995 Self-consistent 2D simulations of filament propagation in photoconducting switches

Peter W. Rambo, William S. Lawson, C. David Capps, R. Aaron Falk

Proceedings Volume 2343, Optically Activated Switching IV; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.198646
Event: Photonics for Industrial Applications, 1994, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

We present simulations of time-dependent filament propagation in laser- triggered GaAs photoswitches. Unlike previous modeling, our calculations are self-consistent in 2D axisymmetric (r-z) geometry. Realistic electron and hole mobilities as well as field dependent impact ionization are included. We observe filament propagation with speeds Uf approximately equals (formula available in paper), much larger than the saturated carrier drift velocity, u^satapproximately equals 10⁷ cm/s. The self-consistently determined filament radius and carrier number density are typically Rfapproximately equals 20-60 micrometers and nfAPEQ10(formula available in paper) respectively. Results are presented for filament propagation in systems with both uniform and nonuniform profiles of background carrier density and electric field.

Citation Download Citation

Peter W. Rambo, William S. Lawson, C. David Capps, and R. Aaron Falk "Self-consistent 2D simulations of filament propagation in photoconducting switches", Proc. SPIE 2343, Optically Activated Switching IV, (4 January 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.198646

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