Thyristors Controlled by Light and Magnetic Field

Abstract: In this paper an impact of external magnetic field on current-voltage characteristics of a planar silicon photothyristor is researched experimentally. It is shown that magnetic field of one polarity with induction of 0.4 T results in such decrease of the breakover voltage UB as well as an LED emission at current of 8 mA. But magnetic field of the opposite polarity allows to increase UB. There are represented the formulas for calculation of the dependence of UB on magnetic field. Increase of magnetic sensitivity is achieved by placement of the area with high rate of injected charge carriers recombination at the opposite side of the electrodes at the base side. Double contactless control of the thyristor UB with light and magnetic field allows to increase essentially its functional possibilities. Since the thyristor can only be turned on by light emission, it can also be turned off by the magnetic field impact. It is shown that existing industrial optical couplers can be used as optrons controlled with light emission and magnetic field, but magnetic control thyristor can be used as a simple switch. © Allerton Press, Inc. 2023.