News | June 17, 2025

University Of Bristol Demonstrating Photoconductive Switching Technology At Booth #4238

The Plasmaris team from the Photonics & Quantum Research group at the University of Bristol is developing a disruptive light-controlled radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) technology that can offer extremely low-loss and ultra-linear signal switching, controllable attenuation, and phase shifting to > 100GHz and > 50-Watt RF power, while keeping all the reliability and cost advantages of traditional solid-state technologies.

They are using patent-pending photoconductive semiconductor switch (PCSS) technology, which has several advantages over conventional switching approaches, including:

  • Extremely low Ron/Roff ratio
  • Excellent intrinsic linearity
  • Superior power handling
  • Streamlined circuit design: no RF bias circuits

What makes Plasmaris PCSSs unique?

  • Highly integrated with a similar footprint to RF transistors
  • Integrated laser and heatsinking
  • Low insertion loss, fast switching time, and low cost
  • Full manufacturing workflow established 
  • No requirement for costly MMIC foundry runs
  • Multi-functional RFICs under development

They will be attending the International Microwave Symposium exhibition (ims-ieee.org) in San Francisco and will be doing their first public demonstration of their ground-breaking technology in collaboration with a leading RF test and measurement supplier.

They will be at Booth #4238 on University Row near the Start-up Pavilion. If you would like to arrange a meeting, get in touch: m.cryan@bristol.ac.uk.