Patent ID: 7582917
Filing Date: 2009-09-01
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A monolithically integrated light-activated thyristor, comprising: a monolithically integrated semiconductor body having first, second, third and fourth layers, the first and third layers having a first doping type and the second and fourth layers having a second doping type opposite the first; a semiconductor switching diode structure formed in the first semiconductor layer and having nodes on opposite sides of a junction electrically shorted respectively to the first and second semiconductor layers; a first electrode electrically coupled to the first semiconductor layer and having a first optical aperture formed therein for conveying light into the first, second and third semiconductor layers; a second electrode electrically coupled to the second semiconductor layer and having a second optical aperture formed therein for conveying light into the junction of the switching diode; and a third electrode electrically coupled to the fourth semiconductor layer.