Optimization studies of materials for optically controlled semiconductor switches

Abstract
Optimization studies of semiconductor materials for a bulk optically controlled semiconductor switch (BOSS) are reported. Cu compensated Si doped GaAs (GaAs:Si:Cu) has been chosen as the switch material. Simulation studies are performed on several GaAs switch systems, composed of different densities of Cu, to investigate the influence of deep traps in the switch systems. The computed results demonstrates two important aspect of the BOSS, the existance of long "tail" conductivity (on-state) and fast optical quenching (turn-off). Some important parameters such as tail conductivity saturation and optimum Cu density for the BOSS are determined.