A Fast, High Voltage, Avalanche Transistor Q Switch Driver

摘要

This paper describes the development of a fast high voltage switching circuit using avalanche transistors. The circuit was found eminently suitable for Electro-Optic Q Switching and cavity dumping of lasers. Many transistor types have been used to drive Q switch elements but in most cases the avalanche chain must be carefully matched to the load. The circuit described here used the transistor type 2N5192 which was found to have a wide operating range thus allowing the chain to be easily matched to the Q switch voltage requirements. In addition it has proven very robust and not easily damaged by over voltage. (Author)