Title: Light activated silicon switch

Abstract: A light activated silicon switch (LASS) is disclosed in which light is transmitted from a light trigger source to appropriate target areas on the body of the silicon wafer. The optical conduits for transmitting the light, such as optical fibers, are underlaid with a metallic coating for establishing electrical contact to the silicon wafer, and are arranged on the surface of the silicon wafer, in a pattern so as to afford the least impediment to thermal conduction. The target areas are spread over the active areas of the silicon wafer so as to approximate uniform turn-on. In the preferred arrangement, the optical channels are arranged radially on the substantially circular silicon wafer, in cooperation with symmetrically placed target spots.

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Inventors: McMullin, Paul G. (Plum Borough, PA, US)

Application Number: 932992
Filing Date: 1978-08-11
Publication_date: 1980-01-29
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp. (Pittsburgh, PA)
Primary Class(es): 257/117 250/227.28, 250/227.32, 257/E31.071, 385/14, 385/49
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

3893153	Jul, 1975	Page	357/38.
4016592	Apr, 1977	Yatsuo	357/38.
4060826	Nov, 1977	Voss	357/38.
4122480	Oct, 1978	Silber	357/38.
4131905	Dec, 1978	Hanes	357/30.

Other Refs:
Primary Examiner: Edlow, Martin H.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney: Menzemer; C. L.