Characterisation of electrical and optical base controlled switching in the V-groove isolated punch through mode mist

The base controlled switching characteristic of the isolated, punch through mode metal-insulator (tunnel)-silicon thyristor is examined under various base inputs. It is shown that an excitation threshold and sensitivity are sufficient to characterise the electrical and optical base controlled switching modes. A simple model is presented which adequately explains the observed switching characteristics for both electrical and optical excitations. Furthermore for the optical case, the responsivity is derived and measured in order to provide a basis for comparison with existing photodetectors.