Photovoltaic-FET for optoelectronic RF/μwave switching

A photovoltaic-FET (PV-FET) is demonstrated for RF//spl mu/wave switching with performance improved over other optoelectronic switches reported while operating with 10-100 times less optical power. The PV-FET characteristics were 3 /spl Omega/ on-resistance, >30 M/spl Omega/ off-resistance under <1 mW optical power, and 300 fF switch capacitance. This PV-FET was inductor tuned at 790 MHz and 7.4 GHz to enhance isolation, intended for reconfigurable antenna applications. The measured insertion loss and isolation agree well with those from theoretical calculation and numerical circuit simulation based on the switch parameters. The measured switch rise and fall times were 20 /spl mu/s and 2 /spl mu/s, respectively. Controlled by light via optical fiber, the PV-FET can be used for remote RF//spl mu/wave switching control with no electrical bias, complete electromagnetic, and good thermal isolation.