Providing Expert Solutions for Pulsed Laser Systems

Management Team

For the past 25 years, OptiSwitch Technology Corporation's technical staff has performed cutting edge research, development and manufacturing in the areas of pulsed power, solid-state lasers, opto-electronics, power electronics and semiconductor fabrication. These efforts have led OptiSwitch to develop specialty electronic and optical designs that support critical technology needs for defense and industrial applications.

Senior Management and Scientists include:


David Giorgi Ph.D., President/CEO

Dr. Giorgi has been the President and CEO of OptiSwitch Technology Corporation since its incorporation in 1999. He previously spent over 14 years at Energy Compression Research (ECR) originating new concepts and directing research in the design and development of high power, fast rise-time systems which incorporate Light Activated Silicon Switches (LASS).

These systems range from sources for high power microwaves and impulse RADARs to high dI/dt switches for capacitive discharges. From 1995 to 1998 Dr. Giorgi focused on the development of a high speed (<1 ns) and high voltage (7 kV) Pockels Cell driver and a short pulse (200-1000 ps) Q-switch microlaser, both of which are based on LASS technology.

Dr. Giorgi has coauthored numerous US patents including: 7002188, 6218682, 5394415, 5384798, 7057214, US20040160996, US20050001332, US20080311637, US20080311638, US20080311639.

Dr. Giorgi holds a BSEE, MSEE and Ph.D. from the University of California San Diego; has co-authored three patents; and authored numerous papers in the area of light activated switching.


Tajchai Navapanich, Director of Operations

Tajchai Navapanich Director of Operations Since 1985 Tajchai Navapanich has worked with, and has co-written, the original patents on LASS devices at ECR Corporation. He has been involved in managing research projects, especially those relating to LASS devices.

Since 1987, he has been involved in founding several successful companies in the private sector, encompassing a wide range of areas including manufacturing, software development, import/export, and the food service industry. His management skills have proven to be an valuable asset in steering Phase II projects towards commercialization.

In 1983, Mr. Navapanich received his BSEE in Solid State Physics from the University of California, San Diego and has minor degrees in Physical Chemistry and Business Administration. Mr. Navapanich has authored numerous papers in the area of light activated switching and has co-authored numerous US patents including: 7057214, US20040160996, US20050001332, US20080311637, US20080311638, US20080311639.


Jay Philippbar, Vice President of Research and Development

Jay Philippbar has been working in the electronics industry for over 25 years. During this time he has designed circuits and manufactured products for the consumer, industrial, scientific and medical markets. He cofounded Directed Energy Incorporated in Irvine, CA, and during his time at DEI, he developed a process for manufacturing the first long life CO2 laser tube. These low maintenance lasers were integrated into surgical equipment and used for pioneering surgeries in the fields of cardiovascular, arthroscopic, dermatology and podiatry. He also developed the first home cholesterol testing device which has been sold in all major drug stores across America. Additionally, he co-developed the first high quality LED flashlights with a regulated power supply which ensured constant brightness over life of the batteries.

Mr. Philippbar’s expertise is in the areas of low-noise, non-linear, high power and high-speed analog electronics with emphasis on electro-optical circuits. He has coauthored numerous US patents including: 5056589, 5537006, 5771067, 5508587, US20040160996, US20010003286.


John Spero, Senior Process Engineer

John Spero has over 30 years experience in semiconductor foundry and processes. He has developed techniques for fabricating high performance devices at Hughes Electronics and Applied Micro Circuits Corp.

Mr. Spero is experienced in all aspects of semiconductor chemical engineering including diffusion, oxidation, implantation, annealing, and wafer handling. He has worked with various wafer materials including Cz and float-zone Silicon, GaAs, Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI), Silicon-on-Sapphire (SOS), and Silicon Germanium (SeGe). Mr. Spero holds a BS in Physics.

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