A compact pulse generator for driving gallium arsenide lasers at room temperature

A simple apparatus employing a mechanical contact in conjunction with a low inductance circuit has been found capable of generating current pulses of up to 2400 A with a rise time in the region of 20 nsec and at a pulse repetition frequency of between 10 and 100 c/s. When it is used to drive a GaAs laser at room temperature of junction area 1.6 × 10 -3 cm 2 at a current of 800 A a peak light output power of 5 W has been obtained. Together with its associated transistor circuits the device measures only 21/8 in. in diameter by 6 in. in length. Current consumption is low enough for it to be powered from a dry battery.