Multichannel semiconductor nanosecond switch for excitation of copper vapor by a transverse discharge

A high-power semiconductor nanosecond switch, in the form of a thyristor structure activated by a laser pulse, was investigated. This switch could handle currents up to $\sim5\times10$ kA under voltages of $\gtrsim5$ kV in a time of $\sim1$ nsec. The principle of its operation ensured synchronous of triggering of several switches with an accuracy of 0.1–0.01 nsec. These switches could be connected in series and could be used effectively to pump lasers excited by transverse discharges.