Avalanche mode of high-voltage overvolting p+-i-n+-structures switching into conductive state by pulsed lighting

TL;DR

This paper presents an analytical model for high-voltage p+-i-n+-structures switching into a conductive state under pulsed lighting, highlighting how avalanche multiplication reduces the required light pulse energy significantly.

Contribution

It introduces a simple analytical theory linking structure, light pulse, and circuit parameters to switching characteristics, supported by numerical simulation.

Findings

Pulse energy needed for switching is reduced by 6-7 orders of magnitude due to avalanche multiplication.

The theory accurately predicts pulse current, delay, and duration of switching.

Numerical simulations confirm the analytical relationships.

Abstract

A simple analytical theory of high-voltage overvolting p+-i-n+-structures picosecond switching into conducting state by pulsed lighting has been developed. Relationship between parameters of structure, light pulse, external circuit and the main characteristics of the process (pulse current amplitude, delay time and duration of switching process) have been obtained and confirmed by numerical simulation. It was shown that the energy of picosecond light pulse that is needed for effective switching can be reduced by 6-7 orders of magnitude due to the intensive avalanche multiplication of electrons and holes.