Patents by Inventor Martin Bernier
Martin Bernier 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).
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Publication number: 20240069284Abstract: Mid-infrared-transparent optical fiber products with enhanced resistance to OH diffusion are disclosed, which may be used fiber laser oscillator and amplifiers systems. In one embodiment, an optical fiber product may include optical fiber configured for propagation of mid-infrared radiation toward a light-radiating endface of or coupled to the optical fiber, and a diffusion barrier disposed on the light-radiating endface and configured for allowing the mid-infrared radiation emanating from the light-radiating endface to pass therethrough and for preventing OH diffusion therethrough toward the light-radiating endface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2023Publication date: February 29, 2024Applicant: Université LavalInventors: Martin BERNIER, Réal VALLÉE, Souleymane TOUBOU BAH, Vincent FORTIN, Frédéric MAES, Yigit Ozan AYDIN
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Patent number: 11846807Abstract: Mid-infrared-transparent optical fiber products with enhanced resistance to OH diffusion are disclosed, which may be used fiber laser oscillator and amplifiers systems. In one embodiment, an optical fiber product may include optical fiber configured for propagation of mid-infrared radiation toward a light-radiating endface of or coupled to the optical fiber, and a diffusion barrier disposed on the light-radiating endface and configured for allowing the mid-infrared radiation emanating from the light-radiating endface to pass therethrough and for preventing OH diffusion therethrough toward the light-radiating endface.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2020Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: Université LavalInventors: Martin Bernier, Réal Vallée, Souleymane Toubou Bah, Vincent Fortin, Frédéric Maes, Yigit Ozan Aydin
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Publication number: 20230160603Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-modes heat exchanger and air ventilation system and method. The system's different modes are possible with the rotation of fan assemblies allowing airflow into specific ducts, thus acting both as fans and as valves. Each air handing unit is connected to a centralized network which allows the control of multiple units simultaneously in response to interior or exterior air characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2021Publication date: May 25, 2023Inventors: Gabriel Gagne-Marcotte, Martin Bernier, William Chabot Labbe, Alexia Mahlig, Aleksandra Grgurevic, Adam Fregeau, Stephane Pilette, Daniel Rousse, Pierre-Alexandre Morin, Nicolas Henri
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Publication number: 20220276443Abstract: There is described a method of optically coupling a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber to one another. The method generally has a step of bringing a free end of the first optical fiber, the second optical fiber and liquid in close proximity to one another within a coupling region, the free end of the first optical fiber having a dimension below a critical dimension, the free end of the first optical fiber moving within said liquid to contact the second optical fiber along a given coupling length, said contact optically coupling the free end of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2020Publication date: September 1, 2022Inventors: Charles MATTE-BRETON, Sophie LAROCHELLE, Simon DUVAL, Réal VALLÉE, Martin BERNIER
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Publication number: 20220120964Abstract: A method and a system for providing a low absorption Bragg grating along a grating region of an optical fiber are presented. The Bragg grating is written along the grating region by multiphoton absorption of ultrafast light pulses impinged on this grating region through a polymer coating of the optical fiber. The Bragg grating is then photobleached by propagating a photobleaching light beam along the optical fiber. The photobleaching light beam has optical parameters selected to reduce defects in the grating region induced by the writing of the Bragg grating in a substantially non-thermal regime.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2021Publication date: April 21, 2022Inventors: Samuel GOUIN, Claude CARIGNAN, Mathieu FAUCHER, François TREPANIER, Guy ROUSSEAU, Martin BERNIER, Alain VILLENEUVE
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Publication number: 20210367391Abstract: Pump reflectors for use in cladding-pumped fiber systems, such as laser or amplifier systems, are provided. The pump reflector includes an optical fiber segment having at least one core and at least one cladding. A cladding Bragg grating is written by femtosecond inscription in the optical fiber segment, and extending across at least a portion of the cladding. The cladding Bragg grating has a reflectivity profile encompassing the spectral profile of the pump and a spatial profile encompassing the pump spatial distribution in the cladding. A method of manufacturing a pump reflector using femtosecond light pulses is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2021Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: Martin BERNIER, Lauris TALBOT
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Publication number: 20210181417Abstract: Mid-infrared-transparent optical fiber products with enhanced resistance to OH diffusion are disclosed, which may be used fiber laser oscillator and amplifiers systems. In one embodiment, an optical fiber product may include optical fiber configured for propagation of mid-infrared radiation toward a light-radiating endface of or coupled to the optical fiber, and a diffusion barrier disposed on the light-radiating endface and configured for allowing the mid-infrared radiation emanating from the light-radiating endface to pass therethrough and for preventing OH diffusion therethrough toward the light-radiating endface.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2020Publication date: June 17, 2021Applicant: Université LavalInventors: Martin BERNIER, Réal VALLÉE, Souleymane TOUBOU BAH, Vincent FORTIN, Frédéric MAES, Yigit Ozan AYDIN
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Patent number: 10845533Abstract: An optical fiber having a Bragg grating along a non-photosensitized grating region thereof and a pristine polymer coating around the grating region with the Bragg grating having been written through the polymer coating has a mechanical resistance that is greater than 20% of the mechanical resistance of an identical grating-free optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: UNIVERSITÉ LAVALInventors: Martin Bernier, Réal Vallée, François Trépanier, Julien Carrier
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Publication number: 20190137685Abstract: An optical fiber having a Bragg grating along a non-photosensitized grating region thereof and a pristine polymer coating around the grating region with the Bragg grating having been written through the polymer coating has a mechanical resistance that is greater than 20% of the mechanical resistance of an identical grating-free optical fiber.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2018Publication date: May 9, 2019Inventors: Martin Bernier, Réal Vallée, François Trépanier, Julien Carrier
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Patent number: 10132994Abstract: Methods and systems for writing a Bragg grating along a grating region of an optical fiber through a polymer coating of the optical fiber are provided. A light beam of ultrafast optical pulses is impinged on the grating region, the ultrafast optical pulses being characterized by writing wavelength at the grating region to which the polymer coating is substantially transparent The light beam is diffracted through a phase mask so as to form an interference pattern defining the Bragg grating at the grating region of the optical fiber. The light beam is also focussed such that the intensity of the optical pulses is below a damage threshold within the polymer coating, and above an FBG inscription threshold within the grating region of the fiber. Optical fiber having Bragg gratings and improved mechanical are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2015Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Universite LavalInventors: Martin Bernier, Réal Vallée, François Trépanier, Julien Carrier
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Patent number: 10084287Abstract: The mid-infrared laser system has an amplifier including at least one pump laser adapted to generate a pump laser beam and a length of fiber made of a low phonon energy glass and having at least one laser-active doped region between a first end and a second end, and a seed laser to generate a seed laser beam having a seed optical spectrum in the mid-infrared. The seed laser beam is launched into the first end to generate a mid-infrared laser beam outputted from the second end via stimulated emission upon pumping of the at least one laser-active doped region with the pump laser beam. When the power of the pump laser exceeds a spectrum modification threshold, the mid-infrared laser beam has an output optical spectrum being broadened relative to the seed optical spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2017Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: UNIVERSITÉ LAVALInventors: Martin Bernier, Réal Vallée, Vincent Fortin, Jean-Christophe Gauthier, Simon Duval
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Publication number: 20180109078Abstract: The mid-infrared laser system has an amplifier including at least one pump laser adapted to generate a pump laser beam and a length of fiber made of a low phonon energy glass and having at least one laser-active doped region between a first end and a second end, and a seed laser to generate a seed laser beam having a seed optical spectrum in the mid-infrared. The seed laser beam is launched into the first end to generate a mid-infrared laser beam outputted from the second end via stimulated emission upon pumping of the at least one laser-active doped region with the pump laser beam. When the power of the pump laser exceeds a spectrum modification threshold, the mid-infrared laser beam has an output optical spectrum being broadened relative to the seed optical spectrum.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2017Publication date: April 19, 2018Inventors: Martin BERNIER, Réal VALLÉE, Vincent FORTIN, Jean-Christophe GAUTHIER, Simon DUVAL
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Publication number: 20170031090Abstract: Methods and systems for writing a Bragg grating along a grating region of an optical fiber through a polymer coating of the optical fiber are provided. A light beam of ultrafast optical pulses is impinged on the grating region, the ultrafast optical pulses being characterised by writing wavelength at the grating region to which the polymer coating is substantially transparent The light beam is diffracted through a phase mask so as to form an interference pattern defining the Bragg grating at the grating region of the optical fiber. The light beam is also focussed such that the intensity of the optical pulses is below a damage threshold within the polymer coating, and above an FBG inscription threshold within the grating region of the fiber. Optical fiber having Bragg gratings and improved mechanical are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2015Publication date: February 2, 2017Inventors: Martin Bernier, Réal Vallée, François Trépanier, Julien Carrier
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Patent number: 8737780Abstract: A method for writing a Bragg grating in a glass optical waveguide is provided. Ultrafast optical pulses are generated, preferably in the femtosecond range and having a writing wavelength in the range of 300 nm to 700 nm and an intensity sufficient to induce a change of refractive index in the waveguide through densification. The optical pulses are diffracted using a phase mask, to generate an interference pattern having a pitch providing a fundamental Bragg resonance corresponding to the target wavelength to be reflected by the grating. The interference pattern is impinged on a region of the waveguide, which is heated to a temperature above a threshold and for a predetermined heating period. Advantageously, the heating step allows the reduction of photoinduced losses which would otherwise be present in the waveguiding properties of the waveguide. Optionally, gratings may be written through the polymer jacket of an optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Université LavalInventors: Real Vallee, Martin Bernier
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Patent number: 8515224Abstract: A method for writing a Bragg grating in a rare-earth doped glass optical waveguide is provided. Ultrafast optical pulses are generated, preferably in the femtosecond range and having a writing wavelength in the range of 300 nm to 700 nm and an intensity sufficient to induce a change of refractive index in the rare-earth doped glass waveguide through densification. The optical pulses are diffracted using a phase mask, to generate an interference pattern having a pitch providing a fundamental Bragg resonance corresponding to the target wavelength to be reflected by the grating. The interference pattern is impinged on a region of the rare-earth doped glass waveguide, which is heated to a temperature above a threshold of about 350° C., for a predetermined heating period. Advantageously, the heating step allows the elimination of photodarkening effects which would otherwise be present in the waveguiding properties of the waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Universite LavalInventors: Real Vallee, Martin Bernier
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Publication number: 20130147071Abstract: A method for writing a Bragg grating in a glass optical waveguide is provided. Ultrafast optical pulses are generated, preferably in the femtosecond range and having a writing wavelength in the range of 300 nm to 700 nm and an intensity sufficient to induce a change of refractive index in the waveguide through densification. The optical pulses are diffracted using a phase mask, to generate an interference pattern having a pitch providing a fundamental Bragg resonance corresponding to the target wavelength to be reflected by the grating. The interference pattern is impinged on a region of the waveguide, which is heated to a temperature above a threshold and for a predetermined heating period. Advantageously, the heating step allows the reduction of photoinduced losses which would otherwise be present in the waveguiding properties of the waveguide. Optionally, gratings may be written through the polymer jacket of an optical fiber.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: UNIVERSITE LAVALInventors: Real Vallee, Martin Bernier
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Publication number: 20120128301Abstract: A method for writing a Bragg grating in a rare-earth doped glass optical waveguide is provided. Ultrafast optical pulses are generated, preferably in the femtosecond range and having a writing wavelength in the range of 300 nm to 700 nm and an intensity sufficient to induce a change of refractive index in the rare-earth doped glass waveguide through densification. The optical pulses are diffracted using a phase mask, to generate an interference pattern having a pitch providing a fundamental Bragg resonance corresponding to the target wavelength to be reflected by the grating. The interference pattern is impinged on a region of the rare-earth doped glass waveguide, which is heated to a temperature above a threshold of about 350° C., for a predetermined heating period. Advantageously, the heating step allows the elimination of photodarkening effects which would otherwise be present in the waveguiding properties of the waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: UNIVERSITE LAVALInventors: Real Vallee, Martin Bernier
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Patent number: 8078023Abstract: A system and method for permanently writing diffraction gratings in low phonon energy glass waveguides are shown. Ultrashort light pulses are generated and made to form two beams synchronously superimposed in the waveguide, therefore forming an interference pattern corresponding to the desired grating. The light pulses are focussed so that the light intensity in the waveguide exceeds a filamentation threshold. The exposure of the waveguide to these light pulses is controlled temporally and spatially in order to limit detrimental thermal effects induced by the high-intensity pulses in the glass medium of the waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Universite LavalInventors: Real Vallee, Martin Bernier, Dominic Faucher
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Publication number: 20090274420Abstract: A system and method for permanently writing diffraction gratings in low phonon energy glass waveguides are shown. Ultrashort light pulses are generated and made to form two beams synchronously superimposed in the waveguide, therefore forming an interference pattern corresponding to the desired grating. The light pulses are focussed so that the light intensity in the waveguide exceeds a filamentation threshold. The exposure of the waveguide to these light pulses is controlled temporally and spatially in order to limit detrimental thermal effects induced by the high-intensity pulses in the glass medium of the waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2007Publication date: November 5, 2009Applicant: UNIVERSITE LAVALInventors: Real Vallee, Martin Bernier, Dominic Faucher
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Patent number: 7377223Abstract: A personal watercraft has a hull, a deck disposed on the hull, a bin, and hood. The hood is operatively connected to the deck and is movable between an open position providing access to the storage bin and a closed position preventing access to the storage bin. An opening having a contour is provided in the deck forwardly of the watercraft's steering handles. The storage bin is disposed in the opening. The storage bin has a container disposed in the opening and a lid operatively connected to the container. The lid is movable between an open position providing access to an interior of the container and a closed position preventing access to the interior of the container. A storage bin to be used in combination with a personal watercraft is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Pascal Toupin, Martin Bernier