Patent ID: 6194699
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A photoconductive switch comprising at least a first layer (1) of a first material and two contact layers (2,3) arranged on opposite side of the first layer and connectable to different potentials for applying a voltage across the first layer, said first layer being adapted to be conducting upon applying a voltage across said contact layers when irradiated by light (5) of an energy high enough for lifting charge carriers from the valence band to the conduction band of said first material, a first of said contact layers being provided with apertures (4) for allowing light applied on the switch from the side of said first contact layer to reach said first layer for making the switch conducting upon applying said voltage thereacross, characterized in that it comprises a thin second layer (7) arranged on the side of the first contact layer, at least covering the surfaces of the first layer exposed through said apertures and forming an interlace to said first layer in said apertures, that the second layer is made of a material being able to form a well ordered interface to said first material and having the same or a larger energy gap between the valence band and the conduction band thereof as or than said first material for allowing said light to pass therethrough without being to a substantial degree absorbed by said second layer.