General engineering model for linear and nonlinear photoconductive switches

A general microcomputer based engineering model for high voltage photoconductive switch operation in the linear mode (closure by high photon flux) and nonlinear mode (closure by low photon flux) has been devised and implemented. The engineering model has been used to predict nonlinear photoconductive switch closure times with reasonable accuracy. Using an interactive graphics 'shell' the model is being used to search for an improved switch design through the use of selective doping distributions. This paper presents an overview of the model and some simulated data results.