Patents by Inventor Olivier Gravrand

Olivier Gravrand 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).

  • Patent number: 10141470
    Abstract: The invention relates to a photodiode type structure (comprising: a support (100) including at least one semiconductor layer, the semiconductor layer (120) including of a first semiconductor zone (10) of a first type of conductivity and a mesa (130) in contact with the semiconductor layer (120). The mesa (130) includes of a second semiconductor zone (20), known as absorption zone, said second semiconductor zone (20) being of a second type of conductivity. The second semiconductor zone has a concentration of majority carriers such that the second semiconductor zone (30) is depleted in the absence of polarization of the structure (1). The structure (1) further comprises a third semiconductor zone (30) of the second type of conductivity made of a third material transparent in the absorbed wavelength range. The third semiconductor zone (30) is interposed between the first and the second semiconductor zones (10, 20) while being at least partially arranged in the semiconductor layer (120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Francois Boulard, Giacomo Badano, Olivier Gravrand
  • Patent number: 10128386
    Abstract: A semiconducting structure configured to receive electromagnetic radiation, a method for manufacturing such a structure, and a semiconductor component, the semiconductor structure including: a first semiconducting area of a first type of conductivity, a second semiconducting area of a second type of conductivity opposite to the first type of conductivity, the second area being in contact with the first area to form a semiconducting junction. The second area includes a portion for which a concentration of majority carriers is at least ten times less than a concentration of majority carriers of the first area. The second area and its portion are essentially made in a first cavity configured to focus in the first cavity at least one portion of the electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventors: Francois Boulard, Roch Espiau De Lamaestre, David Fowler, Olivier Gravrand, Johan Rothman
  • Publication number: 20170244001
    Abstract: The invention relates to a photo bode type structure (comprising: a support (100) including at least one semiconductor layer, the semiconductor layer (120) including of a first semiconductor zone (10) of a first type of conductivity and a mesa (130) in contact with the semiconductor layer (120). The mesa (130) includes of a second semiconductor zone (20), known as absorption zone, said second semiconductor zone (20) being of a second type of conductivity. The second semiconductor zone has a concentration of majority carriers such that the second semiconductor zone (30) is depleted in the absence of polarization of the structure (1). The structure (1) further comprises a third semiconductor zone (30) of the second type of conductivity made of a third material transparent in the absorbed wavelength range. The third semiconductor zone (30) is interposed between the first and the second semiconductor zones (10, 20) while being at least partially arranged in the semiconductor layer (120).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Francois BOULARD, Giacomo BADANO, Olivier GRAVRAND
  • Patent number: 9673350
    Abstract: A semi-conducting component including a semi-conducting layer of a first conductivity type including a plurality of semi-conducting zones of a second conductivity type opposite that of the semi-conducting layer, and an insulating layer. The component further includes a first bias mechanism configured to bias the semi-conducting layer and a second bias mechanism configured to bias a semi-conducting zone. The first bias mechanism includes a conducting layer in contact with the insulating layer and which includes passageways for each second bias mechanism with the spacing between the conducting layer and the second bias mechanism which is located facing the corresponding semi-conducting zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventors: Francois Boulard, Olivier Gravrand
  • Patent number: 9640701
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a photodiode including a useful layer made of a semi-conductor alloy. The useful layer has a band gap value which decreases from its upper face to its lower face. A step of producing a first doped region forming a PN junction with a second doped region of the useful layer, said production of a first doped region including a first doping step, so as to produce a base portion; and a second doping step, so as to produce at least one protuberance protruding from the base portion and in the direction of the lower face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventors: Olivier Gravrand, Johan Rothman
  • Publication number: 20160111580
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a photodiode including a useful layer made of a semi-conductor alloy. The useful layer has a band gap value which decreases from its upper face to its lower face. A step of producing a first doped region forming a PN junction with a second doped region of the useful layer, said production of a first doped region including a first doping step, so as to produce a base portion; and a second doping step, so as to produce at least one protuberance protruding from the base portion and in the direction of the lower face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicant: Commissariat a L'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Olivier GRAVRAND, Johan ROTHMAN
  • Publication number: 20150340395
    Abstract: A photodetector element for infrared light radiation of a given wavelength, in a medium that is at least partially transparent to the infrared light radiation to be detected. The photodetector includes a layer of a partially absorbent semiconductor and a periodic structure placed at a distance from and in the near field of the semiconductor layer and exciting propagation modes parallel to the semiconductor layer, of the infrared light radiation to be detected. There is a perimetric electrical contact that frames the outline of the photodetector element and extends perpendicularly relative to the planes defined by the semiconductor layer and the periodic structure, which makes contact with said semiconductor layer, and that also forms an optical mirror for the modes excited by the periodic structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Matthieu Duperron, Roch Espiau de Lamaestre, Olivier Gravrand
  • Publication number: 20150303320
    Abstract: A semiconducting structure configured to receive electromagnetic radiation, a method for manufacturing such a structure, and a semiconductor component, the semiconductor structure including: a first semiconducting area of a first type of conductivity, a second semiconducting area of a second type of conductivity opposite to the first type of conductivity, the second area being in contact with the first area to form a semiconducting junction. The second area includes a portion for which a concentration of majority carriers is at least ten times less than a concentration of majority carriers of the first area. The second area and its portion are essentially made in a first cavity configured to focus in the first cavity at least one portion of the electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENE ALT
    Inventors: Francois BOULARD, Roch ESPIAU DE LAMAESTRE, David FOWLER, Olivier GRAVRAND, Johan ROTHMAN
  • Patent number: 9165967
    Abstract: A semiconducting structure configured to receive electromagnetic radiation and transform the received electromagnetic radiation into an electric signal, the semiconductor structure including a semiconducting support within a first surface defining a longitudinal plane, a first zone with a first type of conductivity formed in the support with a second zone with a second type of conductivity that is opposite of the first type of conductivity to form a semiconducting junction. A mechanism limiting lateral current includes a third zone formed in the support in lateral contact with the second zone, the third zone having the second type of conductivity for which majority carriers are electrons. The third zone has a sufficient concentration of majority carriers to have an increase in an apparent gap due to a Moss-Burstein effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Commissariat á l'énergies atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventors: Olivier Gravrand, Gerard Destefanis
  • Publication number: 20150207027
    Abstract: A semi-conducting component including a semi-conducting layer of a first conductivity type including a plurality of semi-conducting zones of a second conductivity type opposite that of the semi-conducting layer, and an insulating layer. The component further includes a first bias mechanism configured to bias the semi-conducting layer and a second bias mechanism configured to bias a semi-conducting zone. The first bias mechanism includes a conducting layer in contact with the insulating layer and which includes passageways for each second bias mechanism with the spacing between the conducting layer and the second bias mechanism which is located facing the corresponding semi-conducting zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENE ALT
    Inventors: François Boulard, Olivier Gravrand
  • Patent number: 9048357
    Abstract: A semi-conducting structure, configured to receive an electromagnetic radiation and to transform the electromagnetic radiation into an electric signal, including: a first zone and a second zone of a same conductivity type and of same elements; a barrier zone, provided between the first and second zones, for acting as a barrier to majority carriers of the first and second zones on a barrier thickness, the barrier zone having its lowest bandgap energy defining a barrier proportion; and a first interface zone configured to interface the first zone and the barrier zone on a first interface thickness, the first interface zone including a composition of elements which is varied from a proportion corresponding to that of the first material to the barrier proportion, the first interface thickness being at least equal to half the barrier thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventors: Olivier Gravrand, Alexandre Ferron
  • Publication number: 20150008551
    Abstract: A semi-conducting structure, configured to receive an electromagnetic radiation and to transform the electromagnetic radiation into an electric signal, including: a first zone and a second zone of a same conductivity type and of same elements; a barrier zone, provided between the first and second zones, for acting as a barrier to majority carriers of the first and second zones on a barrier thickness, the barrier zone having its lowest bandgap energy defining a barrier proportion; and a first interface zone configured to interface the first zone and the barrier zone on a first interface thickness, the first interface zone including a composition of elements which is varied from a proportion corresponding to that of the first material to the barrier proportion, the first interface thickness being at least equal to half the barrier thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux ene alt
    Inventors: Olivier Gravrand, Alexandre Ferron
  • Publication number: 20140312446
    Abstract: A semiconducting structure configured to receive electromagnetic radiation and transform the received electromagnetic radiation into an electric signal, the semiconductor structure including a semiconducting support within a first surface defining a longitudinal plane, a first zone with a first type of conductivity formed in the support with a second zone with a second type of conductivity that is opposite of the first type of conductivity to form a semiconducting junction. A mechanism limiting lateral current includes a third zone formed in the support in lateral contact with the second zone, the third zone having the second type of conductivity for which majority carriers are electrons. The third zone has a sufficient concentration of majority carriers to have an increase in an apparent gap due to a Moss-Burstein effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENE ALT
    Inventors: Olivier Gravrand, Gerard Destefanis
  • Patent number: 8786042
    Abstract: This photodetector capable of detecting electromagnetic radiation comprises: a doped semiconductor absorption layer for said radiation, capable of converting said radiation into charge carriers; a reflective layer that reflects the incident radiation that is not absorbed by semiconductor layer towards the latter, located underneath semiconductor layer; and a metallic structure placed on semiconductor layer that forms, with semiconductor layer, a surface Plasmon resonator so as to concentrate the incident electromagnetic radiation on metallic structure in the field concentration zones of semiconductor layer. Semiconductor zones for collecting charge carriers that are oppositely doped to the doping of semiconductor layer are formed in said semiconductor layer and have a topology that complements that of the field concentration zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Olivier Gravrand, Gérard Destefanis, Jérôme Le Perchec
  • Patent number: 8759932
    Abstract: This photodetector comprises a doped semiconductor layer; a reflective layer located underneath semiconductor layer; a metallic structure placed on semiconductor layer that forms, with semiconductor layer, a surface plasmon resonator, a plurality of semiconductor zones formed in semiconductor layer and oppositely doped to the doping of the semiconductor layer; and for each semiconductor zone, a conductor that passes through the photodetector from reflective layer to at least semiconductor zone and is electrically insulated from metallic structure, with semiconductor zone associated with corresponding conductor thus determining an elementary detection surface of the photodetector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Olivier Gravrand, Gérard Destefanis, Jérôme Le Perchec
  • Patent number: 8759873
    Abstract: A bispectral detector comprising upper and lower semiconductor layers of a first conductivity type in order to absorb a first and a second electromagnetic spectrum, separated by an intermediate layer that forms a barrier; semiconductor zones of a second conductivity type implanted in upper layer and lower layer and each implanted at least partially in the bottom of an opening that passes through upper layer and intermediate layer; and conductor elements connected to semiconductor zones. At least that part of each opening that passes through upper layer is separated from the latter by a semiconductor cap layer: whereof the concentration of dopants of the second conductivity type is greater than 1017 cm?3; and whereof the thickness is chosen as a function of said concentration so that it exceeds the minority carrier diffusion length in the cap layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et Aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Olivier Gravrand, Jacques Baylet
  • Patent number: 8618622
    Abstract: Backlit detector for the detection of electromagnetic radiation around a predetermined wavelength, including a semiconductor absorption layer, formed above a transparent medium, capable of transmitting at least some of said radiation, and a mirror above the semiconductor layer, and placed between the mirror and the semiconductor layer, a periodic grating of metallic patterns, the mirror and the grating being included in a layer of material transparent to said radiation and formed on the semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Roch Espiau De Lamaestre, Salim Boutami, Olivier Gravrand, Jérôme Le Perchec
  • Patent number: 8441089
    Abstract: This bispectral detector comprises a plurality of unitary elements for detecting a first and a second electromagnetic radiation range, consisting of a stack of upper and lower semiconductor layers of a first conductivity type which are separated by an intermediate layer that forms a potential barrier between the upper and lower layers; and for each unitary detection element, two upper and lower semiconductor zones of a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type, are arranged respectively so that they are in contact with the upper faces of the upper and lower layers so as to form PN junctions, the semiconductor zone being positioned, at least partially, in the bottom of an opening that passes through the upper and intermediate layers. The upper face of at least one of the upper and lower layers is entirely covered in a semiconductor layer of the second conductivity type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Commissariat a l′Energie Atomique et Aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Olivier Gravrand, Jacques Baylet
  • Publication number: 20120181645
    Abstract: Backlit detector for the detection of electromagnetic radiation around a predetermined wavelength, including a semiconductor absorption layer, formed above a transparent medium, capable of transmitting at least some of said radiation, and a minor above the semiconductor layer, and placed between the minor and the semiconductor layer, a periodic grating of metallic patterns, the minor and the grating being included in a layer of material transparent to said radiation and formed on the semiconductor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Roch Espiau De Lamaestre, Salim Boutami Boutami, Olivier Gravrand, Jérôme Le Perchec
  • Patent number: 8168478
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a matrix of electronic components, comprising a step of producing an active layer on a substrate, and a step of individualizing the components by forming trenches in the active layer at least until the substrate emerges. The method comprises steps of depositing a layer of functional material on the active layer, depositing a photosensitive resin on the layer of material in such a way as to fill said trenches and to form a thin film on the upper face of the components, at least partially exposing the resin to radiation while underexposing the portion of resin in the trenches, developing the resin in such a way as to remove the properly exposed portion thereof, removing the functional material layer portion that shows through after the development step, and removing the remaining portion of resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Francois Marion, Olivier Gravrand