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Quantum mechanical modeling and validation of photoconductive switches for RF and antenna applications
Author(s) -
Zanella Fernando,
Nobrega Kleber Z.,
Dartora Cesar A.,
Sodré Arismar Cerqueira
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
microwave and optical technology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.304
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1098-2760
pISSN - 0895-2477
DOI - 10.1002/mop.32172
Subject(s) - photoconductivity , photonics , antenna (radio) , optical switch , radio frequency , microwave , reconfigurable antenna , electronic engineering , optoelectronics , electronic circuit , computer science , materials science , electrical engineering , engineering , telecommunications , dipole antenna , antenna efficiency
Photoconductive switches have been recently exploited as a promising replacement to active RF switches in reconfigurable antennas, since they provide unique properties, such as the absence of bias circuits, fast switching time, thermal stability, and easy integration with optical backhauls and fronthauls. Although lumped element models already exist, an accurate mathematical approach based on the physical background behind the switch operation is still lacking. We bestow a mathematical model based on quantum mechanics to analyze the photoconductive switches behavior, aiming to enhance the performance of photonics‐based RF devices and optically controlled reconfigurable antennas. The theoretical analysis has been properly validated by comparisons with experimental results of the photoconductive switch characterization at microwaves frequency range.