This component operates like a standard silicon-controlled rectifier, but uses a window to allow photons to strike the gate region instead of relying on an electrical gate current. Once triggered by a light pulse, it latches into a conducting state and remains on until the current drops below a holding threshold. It is often used in high-voltage isolation circuits to prevent dangerous electrical feedback.
Heard on the job
The photothyristor array fires the main capacitor bank without risking a ground loop back to the control logic.
Also heard as
- light-activated SCR
- LASCR