John Scott Lancaster

US Patent:

20230011108, Jan 12, 2023

Filed:

Jul 9, 2021

Appl. No.:

17/372366

Inventors:

- Livermore CA, US
Adam Conway - Livermore CA, US
Lars F. Voss - Livermore CA, US
Joseph D. Schneider - Livermore CA, US
Tammy Chang - Livermore CA, US
Caitlin Anne Chapin - Livermore CA, US
John Berns Lancaster - Livermore CA, US
Steve Hawkins - Livermore CA, US
Victor Valeryevich Khitrov - Livermore CA, US

International Classification:

G02B 6/26

Abstract:

Methods and devices for illuminating a photoconductive switch consisting of an optically actuated photoconductive material situated between two electrodes are described. Light from a light source is coupled to an optical fiber, which is attached to a frustum, the other side of which is proximate to the photoconductive switch. Light from the optical fiber enters the frustum, spreads out, and enters the photoconductive switch via the top-side electrode. Some of the light is absorbed, while the remaining light reflects off the bottom-side electrode, travels back through the photoconductive switch, and any unabsorbed light reenters the frustum. The geometry of the frustum is configured such that most of the light reflects back into the switch itself with only a negligible fraction escaping from the optical fiber, which advantageously results in near total utilization of the light.