Patents by Inventor Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet

Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20090140145
    Abstract: The electromagnetic radiation detector compromises at least one radiation absorption membrane transforming the absorbed energy into heat transmitted to at least one resistive thermometer having a resistance varying with temperature. Each absorption membrane is suspended above a substrate by a nanowire connected to the central area of the membrane. The nanowire comprises an electrically conducting core and an electrically conducting external layer electrically insulated from one another and respectively connected to measuring areas of said thermometer. The nanowire serves the purpose both of support for the membrane and of electrical connection between the measuring areas and a circuit arranged at the level of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet, Jean-Antoine Gruss
  • Patent number: 7541585
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device with two positions for detecting radiant energy e.g. of improved bolometer or micro-bolometer type in terms of detection sensitivity and response time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Nicolas Massoni, Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet, Andre Perez
  • Patent number: 7541582
    Abstract: The invention relates to a passive microbolometer (12), comprising a reflective screen (17) and a suspended membrane with the function of radiation absorber, thermometer and electrical connection. The membrane is supported by at least two anchor elements (15) fixed to a support substrate (16). The reflective screen (17) may be embodied by at least one layer (18) of metallic material with a thickness of the order of 500 ? to 2000 ?. The screen (17) is arranged beneath the membrane in electrical contact with the membrane absorber element (13) such as to reduce the area resistance of the unit made up of the screen (17) and the absorbing element (13) and to avoid the absorption of radiation by the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Ulis
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet, Laurent Carle, Claire Vialle, Michel Vilain
  • Publication number: 20090121136
    Abstract: The electromagnetic radiation detector comprises at least one membrane suspended above a substrate by at least one nanowire. The nanowire forms a thermoelement comprising an electrically conducting core and external layer, respectively doped of different types and insulated from one another by an electrical insulation layer. When the substrate and membrane are at different temperatures, the nanowire constitutes a thermometer providing measurement signals, by Seebeck effect, representative of heating of the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE
    Inventors: Jean-Antoine Gruss, Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet
  • Publication number: 20080265164
    Abstract: A thermal detector comprising a sensitive material having at least one electrical property of which varies with temperature; an electromagnetic radiation absorber which is in contact with the sensitive material; a substrate providing the function of support; and electrically conductive elements providing electrical continuity between sensitive material and substrate. The sensitive material is wholly or partly in the form of a sheet extending in a direction which is essentially perpendicular to the plane of the substrate. The sensitive material is suspended above the substrate by the absorber which is fixed to the sensitive material in the upper region of the sheet. The absorber is suspended by fixing means which is mechanically connected to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jean-Louis OUVRIER-BUFFET, Sylvette BISOTTO, Agnes ARNAUD, Andre PEREZ
  • Patent number: 7442934
    Abstract: This bolometric detector for electromagnetic radiation comprises: a receiving antenna (1) intended for collecting electromagnetic radiation and thus ensuring electromagnetic coupling; a resistive load capable of converting the electromagnetic power collected into heating capacity; a thermometric element (4) connected to the receiving antenna (1) via the resistive load and thermally isolated from a support substrate (2), capable of accommodating an electronic circuit that includes means of electric excitation (stimuli) and means of pre-processing the electric signals generated by said detector. The receiving antenna (1) is itself isolated from the support substrate (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Emilien Peytavit, Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet
  • Patent number: 7279682
    Abstract: A device for holding an object under a vacuum and processes for making the device, which may find application to uncooled infrared detectors. In the device, a leak tight cavity that contains the object, and in which the vacuum is created, and a getter designed to trap gases that could be located in the cavity are formed. The getter is placed outside the cavity and is contained in a leak tight housing connected to the cavity through at least one leak tight passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet, Sylvette Bisotto, Chantal Beccia
  • Patent number: 7268350
    Abstract: A bolometric detector including an absorbing part intended to convert incident electromagnetic radiation into calories, an active part (2) including a sensitive area made of a bolometric material the resistivity of which varies, in a known manner, with temperature, and electrodes that are in contact with the bolometric material (6) over at least part of their surface area. Support areas or posts (3) intended to maintain the active part (2) are suspended above a substrate (1) that accommodates, in particular, the read-out circuit associated with said detector and to ensure electrical conduction between the read-out circuit and the active part, the support areas or posts (3) have regions of non-uniform cross-sectional area between their point of contact with the substrate and the area where they are joined to the active part or being associated with elements that have such non uniformities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet, Sylvette Bisotto
  • Publication number: 20070205364
    Abstract: A bolometric detector including an absorbing part intended to convert incident electromagnetic radiation into calories, an active part (2) including a sensitive area made of a bolometric material the resistivity of which varies, in a known manner, with temperature, and electrodes that are in contact with the bolometric material (6) over at least part of their surface area. Support areas or posts (3) intended to maintain the active part (2) are suspended above a substrate (1) that accommodates, in particular, the read-out circuit associated with said detector and to ensure electrical conduction between the read-out circuit and the active part, the support areas or posts (3) have regions of non-uniform cross-sectional area between their point of contact with the substrate and the area where they are joined to the active part or being associated with elements that have such non uniformities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet, Sylvette Bisotto
  • Publication number: 20070194238
    Abstract: The invention relates to a passive microbolometer (12), comprising a reflective screen (17) and a suspended membrane with the function of radiation absorber, thermometer and electrical connection. The membrane is supported by at least two anchor elements (15) fixed to a support substrate (16). The reflective screen (17) may be embodied by at least one layer (18) of metallic material with a thickness of the order of 500 ? to 2000 ?. The screen (17) is arranged beneath the membrane in electrical contact with the membrane absorber element (13) such as to reduce the area resistance of the unit made up of the screen (17) and the absorbing element (13) and to avoid the absorption of radiation by the latter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet, Laurent Carle, Claire Vialle, Michel Vilain
  • Patent number: 7244935
    Abstract: An absorbent membrane (1) is fixed in suspension onto a front face of a substrate (2), in a direction substantially parallel to the substrate (2), by at least one alveolate structure thermally insulating the membrane from the substrate (2) and arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the substrate (2). The detector can comprise arms (3) fixedly secured to the absorbent membrane (1). The alveolate structures can be respectively arranged between one of the arms (3) and the substrate (2). The alveolate structure can be formed by a plurality of superposed thin layers (6) separated by spacers (7) or by superposed rows of arcades formed by thin layers. The alveolate structure can comprise a porous pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Yon, Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet, Astrid Astier, Michel Vilain
  • Publication number: 20070120059
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use as a sensitive material in a thin layer for bolometric detection of infrared radiation, of a material having a spinel ferrite structure of chemical composition, ignoring doping agents if any are present, satisfying empirical formula I: Fe3?(x+y)MxAyO4+???(I) The invention also provides a bolometric device for detecting infrared radiation or for infrared imaging, and including at least one sensor provided with a sensitive element in the form of a thin layer as defined above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Applicants: UNIVERSITE PAUL SABATIER (TOULOUSE 111), CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE
    Inventors: Philippe Tailhades, Lionel Presmanes, Corinne Bonningue, Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet, Astrid Astier, Stephanie Capdeville, Claire Vialle, Pierre Imperinetti
  • Publication number: 20070116086
    Abstract: A device with two positions for detecting radiant energy e.g. of improved bolometer or micro-bolometer type in terms of detection sensitivity and response time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE
    Inventors: Nicolas Massoni, Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet, Andre Perez
  • Patent number: 7205545
    Abstract: The invention concerns an electromagnetic radiation sensing device with integrated housing including two superimposed sensors. A first sensor detects one first wavelength range, and a second sensor detects a second wavelength range. The first sensor is arranged inside a protective housing, whereof at least the upper wall includes the second sensor. The wavelengths of the first range, for example included in the infrared domain are, preferably, greater than the wavelengths of the second range, which can be included in the visible or ultraviolet domain. The first sensor is, preferably, a bolometer comprising a sensitive elements and support element forming electrical connection elements between the first sensor and/or the second sensor and an electronic processing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet, Damien Morel, Nicolas Massoni
  • Publication number: 20060273256
    Abstract: An absorbent membrane (1) is fixed in suspension onto a front face of a substrate (2), in a direction substantially parallel to the substrate (2), by at least one alveolate structure thermally insulating the membrane from the substrate (2) and arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the substrate (2). The detector can comprise arms (3) fixedly secured to the absorbent membrane (1). The alveolate structures can be respectively arranged between one of the arms (3) and the substrate (2). The alveolate structure can be formed by a plurality of superposed thin layers (6) separated by spacers (7) or by superposed rows of arcades formed by thin layers. The alveolate structure can comprise a porous pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 7, 2006
    Applicant: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Yon, Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet, Astrid Astier, Michel Vilain
  • Publication number: 20060231761
    Abstract: This bolometric detector for electromagnetic radiation comprises: a receiving antenna (1) intended for collecting electromagnetic radiation and thus ensuring electromagnetic coupling; a resistive load capable of converting the electromagnetic power collected into heating capacity; a thermometric element (4) connected to the receiving antenna (1) via the resistive load and thermally isolated from a support substrate (2), capable of accommodating an electronic circuit that includes means of electric excitation (stimuli) and means of pre-processing the electric signals generated by said detector. The receiving antenna (1) is itself isolated from the support substrate (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Publication date: October 19, 2006
    Applicant: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Emilien Peytavit, Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet
  • Publication number: 20060043297
    Abstract: The invention concerns an electromagnetic radiation sensing device with integrated housing including two superimposed sensors. A first sensor detects one first wavelength range, and a second sensor detects a second wavelength range. The first sensor is arranged inside a protective housing, whereof at least the upper wall includes the second sensor. The wavelengths of the first range, for example included in the infrared domain are, preferably, greater than the wavelengths of the second range, which can be included in the visible or ultraviolet domain. The first sensor is, preferably, a bolometer comprising a sensitive elements and support element forming electrical connection elements between the first sensor and/or the second sensor and an electronic processing circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Applicant: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet, Damien Morel, Nicolas Massoni
  • Publication number: 20050211900
    Abstract: A device for holding an object under a vacuum and processes for making the device, which may find application to uncooled infrared detectors. In the device, a leak tight cavity that contains the object, and in which the vacuum is created, and a getter designed to trap gases that could be located in the cavity are formed. The getter is placed outside the cavity and is contained in a leak tight housing connected to the cavity through at least one leak tight passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: September 29, 2005
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet
  • Patent number: 6861719
    Abstract: A device for detecting electromagnetic radiation including at least one detection circuit including a non-cooled thermal detector and an associated reading circuit, and a method for producing the device. The device includes a substrate forming a cavity under vacuum, in which are placed the thermal detector and the reading circuit. A window transparent to radiation is placed above the cavity and ensures the sealing of the cavity. A sealing mechanism hermetically attaches the window on the substrate, and an electrical connection is inserted in the window ensuring a leaktight connection between the detection circuit and processing elements outside the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet, Sylvette Bisotto, Stéphane Caplet
  • Publication number: 20040092041
    Abstract: A device for detecting electromagnetic radiation including at least one detection circuit including a non-cooled thermal detector and an associated reading circuit, and a method for producing the device. The device includes a substrate forming a cavity under vacuum, in which are placed the thermal detector and the reading circuit. A window transparent to radiation is placed above the cavity and ensures the sealing of the cavity. A sealing mechanism hermetically attaches the window on the substrate, and an electrical connection is inserted in the window ensuring a leaktight connection between the detection circuit and processing elements outside the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet, Sylvette Bisotto, Stephane Caplet