Abstract: A gradient sensor of a component of a magnetic field comprising at least one elementary sensor comprising a deformable mass (31) equipped with a permanent magnet (32) having a magnetization direction substantially colinear to the direction of the gradient of the component of the magnetic field to be acquired by the sensor. The deformable mass (31) is able to deform under the effect of a force exerted on the magnet by the gradient, the effect of this force being to shift it, by dragging the deformable mass (31), in a direction substantially colinear to the component of the magnetic field for which the sensor has to acquire the gradient. The deformable mass (31) is anchored to a fixed support device (33) in at least two anchoring points (36) substantially opposite relative to the mass (31). The elementary sensor also comprises measuring means (35, 35.1, 35.2, 35.3) of at least one electric variable translating deformation or stress of the deformable mass (31) engendered by the gradient.

Abstract: A miniature magnetic core includes at least one bar magnet having, in the demagnetized state, a plurality of magnetic domains separated by magnetic walls, the bar magnet having permanent discontinuities placed at least approximately at the probable locations of at least some of these magnetic walls in the absence of these permanent discontinuities. A miniature sensor includes a miniature core that cooperates with at least one excitation coil and at least one detection coil. A method for manufacturing the magnetic core includes identifying the probable location of the magnetic walls, depositing at least a thin film of magnetic material on a support in order to form the core and producing, in said core, discontinuities approximately at the identified locations of the walls.

Abstract: A gradient sensor of a component of a magnetic field comprising at least one elementary sensor comprising a deformable mass (31) equipped with a permanent magnet (32) having a magnetization direction substantially colinear to the direction of the gradient of the component of the magnetic field to be acquired by the sensor. The deformable mass (31) is able to deform under the effect of a force exerted on the magnet by the gradient, the effect of this force being to shift it, by dragging the deformable mass (31), in a direction substantially colinear to the component of the magnetic field for which the sensor has to acquire the gradient. The deformable mass (31) is anchored to a fixed support device (33) in at least two anchoring points (36) substantially opposite relative to the mass (31). The elementary sensor also comprises measuring means (35, 35.1, 35.2, 35.3) of at least one electric variable translating deformation or stress of the deformable mass (31) engendered by the gradient.

Abstract: A miniature magnetic core includes at least one bar magnet having, in the demagnetized state, a plurality of magnetic domains separated by magnetic walls, the bar magnet having permanent discontinuities placed at least approximately at the probable locations of at least some of these magnetic walls in the absence of these permanent discontinuities. A miniature sensor includes a miniature core that cooperates with at least one excitation coil and at least one detection coil. A method for manufacturing the magnetic core includes identifying the probable location of the magnetic walls, depositing at least a thin film of magnetic material on a support in order to form the core and producing, in said core, discontinuities approximately at the identified locations of the walls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a component with a first face of a plate-shaped structure involving the following steps: engraving a second face of the structure, which is opposite the first face, on a portion of its surface in order to define an area of reduced thickness, and; inclining the area of reduced thickness with regard to said structure. A component of this type has a recess between the plate-shaped structure and the inclined area of reduced thickness. The inclined area can support active elements that function according to a direction defined by the inclination.

Abstract: The invention relates to integrated circuits for microwave applications in the millimeter wavelength range (frequencies of around 50 GHz). To improve the performance of the microwave transmission lines in the circuit, a structure of conducting vias between a transmission line and a conducting zone is proposed. The vias are formed in apertures in a benzocyclobutene layer. These apertures are larger at their base than the conducting zones. The transmission line descends into the aperture but does not come back up over the edges of the aperture. The parasitic capacitances with the substrate at the point of contact are minimized.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved micro-fluxgate magnetometer capable of reducing noise phenomena that can occur when measuring a magnetic field, in a simple manner, and a method for manufacturing such a magnetometer in thin layers.

Abstract: A miniature magnetic field sensor including a magnetic core which co-operates with at least one excitation coil and a detection coil. In the magnetic field sensor, the core is open and includes at least one bar having tapered ends. A method of fabricating the sensor is provided using microtechnology techniques.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of a magnetic field sensor structure are disclosed. The magnetic field sensor structure is formed by a bridge of four magnetoresistors (1–4), wherein each magnetoresistor has a longitudinal direction, and each magnetoresistor (1–4) is polarised by magnets (15–19). Also, each magnet has a main magnetisation field along an axial magnetisation direction, and a magnetic leakage field. The polarisation magnets (15–19) and the magnetoresistors (1–4) are arranged in the form of layers on the same substrate. In one embodiment, the polarisation magnets (15–19) are at the same level as the magnetoresistors (1–4) wherein the polarisation magnets (15–19) have the same main magnetisation direction, which is contained in the plane of the layers. The magnetoresistors have their longitudinal direction parallel with that of the axial direction of the magnets. In one embodiment, two magnetoresistors are arranged in the axial field of magnets and two others are in the magnet leakage field.

Abstract: A miniature magnetic field sensor including a magnetic core which co-operates with at least one excitation coil and a detection coil. In the magnetic field sensor, the core is open and includes at least one bar having tapered ends. A method of fabricating the sensor is provided using microtechnology techniques.

Abstract: Magnetic field sensor structure formed by a bridge of four magnetoresistors (1-4) each having a longitudinal direction, each magnetoresistor (1-4) being polarised by magnets (15-19) each having a main magnetisation field along an axial magnetisation direction, and a magnetic leakage field, the polarisation magnets (15-19) and the magnetoresistors (1-4) being arranged in the form of layers on the same substrate, characterised in that the polarisation magnet(s) (15-19) are at the same level as the magnetoresistors (1-4), in that all the polarisation magnets (15-19) have the same main magnetisation direction contained in the plane of the layers and in that the magnetoresistors have their longitudinal direction parallel with that of the axial direction of the magnets, two magnetoresistors being arranged in the axial field of magnets and two others in the magnet leakage field.

Abstract: Electrical connection between two faces of a substrate and manufacturing process. The connection is made by a part (46) of a conducting or semi conducting substrate (20) completely surrounded by at least one electrically insulating trench (32, 36, 44). A contact pad (42) is located on the back face (40) and conducting tracks (38) are located on the front face. The connection is made through the substrate itself. Application to the manufacture of circuits, components, sensors, etc.

Abstract: A fluxgate micro-magnetometer with perpendicular detection and a process of realization thereof. A ferromagnetic core is perpendicular to a substrate. The axes of excitation coils and pick-up coils are also perpendicular to the substrate. A magnetic field component which is perpendicular to the substrate is thus measured. The two other components can be measured by magnetometers of classical type whose core is parallel to the substrate. Such a device may find application in the domain of magnetic measurement, as an example.

Abstract: At least two magnetoresistors laid out perpendicularly are used. These magnetoresistors are installed in a bridge, the measurement signal being taken from the mid-point of the bridge. This signal is linear over a very wide range. Application to measurement of the orientation of a magnetic field or the angular position of an object.

Abstract: Electrical connection between two faces of a substrate and manufacturing process.

Abstract: A magnetic head for recording having horizontal pole pieces. The magnetic head includes a lower subassembly mounted on a substrate including a lower magnetic layer, two magnetic pillars and a conductor winding. An insulating ridge having inclined sides and a flat apex is mounted on the lower subassembly. Two flux concentrators are mounted on the sloping sides of the insulating ridge and end in a face which is flush with the apex of the ridge. The pole pieces are formed as straight bars and mounted on top of the inner ends of the flux concentrators.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor having a magnetoresistance bridge. The sensor includes two longitudinally connected multilayer magnetoresistances and two transversely connected multilayer magnetoresistances. The two longitudinally connected magnetoresistances are sensitive to the magnetic field to be measured. The four magnetoresistances are connected to a wheatstone bridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a point-by-point reading apparatus using a matrix of photodetector elements. The reading apparatus comprises a system of p groups of q basic elements, which are aligned, each of these basic elements being constituted by a photodiode and a diode insensitive to the light radiation and connected in opposition. These basic elements are addressed by an input circuit of the shift register type with p connections, each connected to all the diodes of the same group. The state of the photodiodes is collected in an output circuit with q connections, each connected to all the photodiodes occupying a particular rank in a group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the amorphous growth of an element with crystallization under radiation.An element is deposited on a support contained in an enclosure under a vacuum in known manner and simultaneously one or more predetermined surfaces of the layer deposited on the support are irradiated, said irradiation being obtained by a coherent electromagnetic irradiation radiation beam having a power and wavelength suitable for desorbing said surfaces.