The CNRS has co-licenced with SOPRA for the patent " Multichannel Syncronous Analog Detection " ( P. Gleyzes, D. Fournier-A.C. Boccara)
This acquisition system that we have developed allows the determination of avec une précision de 0,1 mm, en temps réel, les coordonnes d'un stylet sur une plaque de verre. Au terme de ce travail (which was the subject of J.P. Nikolovski's doctoral thesis), static resolution is 0,1 mm. Maximal (limiting) dynamic resolution is determined by coordonate acquisition frequency, and is 0,1 mm for a 10 cm per second displacement velocity. We have tested linearity of the setup, which remains lower than 0.3% on the active surface of the plate (66 x 66 mm2 ). A patent has been registered for this technology, and several setups have been constructed of sizes varying from 10 cm2 to 1 m2, demonstrating the capabilites of the system for multiple practical applications (such as publicity, interactive dispays, etc). One spinoff of this work has been the use of the stylus as a transverse wave sensor. The contact of the stylus with the sample when properly oriented allows either the detection of longintuninal or transverse waves.
Real time refractometer (M. Le Liboux - D. Fournier)
GDF (Gas de France) has been seeking to install a fiber optic network to monitor natural gas distribution
conduits, in order to detect leaks. Gas escaping from the conduits is adsorbed onto a polymer cladding, modifying
the index of refraction, and thus the waveguide characteristics of the fiber. This work therefore relys
on the development of a refractometer capable of measuring with a precision of better than 10-3 of the base
index of refraction and 10-4 on variations of this quantity.
We have demonstrated, with a Pulfrich device based on limit refraction, that it is possible to achieve
these measurements. The importance and originality of this method allows us to determine the absolute
value of the index of refraction by a single measurement of a laser beam deviation, which compares
favorably with other traditional methods based on limit refraction, total reflection, or those known as
"minimum deviation". This system uses several diode lasers (670 nm, 1300 nm et 1550 nm) and is automated
allowing us to follow index variations of a heteropolysiloxane polymer in function of methane, ethane, or butane
absorbed with a precision of 10-6
This patent was filed in December 1995.
System to maintain cold gas (petrol) storage temperature (P. Gleyzes A.C. Boccara)
In colaboration with N. Barbouth -who provided a cristal to the CNRS in 1996- and with Elf
we have developed a differential real time monitoring system for gas mixture demixing of diesel fuels.
The extreme sensitivity of this system allows us to demonstrate effects at an advanced stage with respect
to a visually based system, and furthermore may function at liquid nitrogen temperatures (-60°C).
A patent is currently being filed.
Development of dental prosthesis fixed on an implant and intermediary part for the use of this process ( M. Sadoun, 05/10/95, N 95 40 0006.5)
Process for the production of dental prosthesis, including the action of fixing an intermediary part on an preferably metal implant imobilized in a patient's maxilaire An intermediary piece is used, produced by rubbing an oxide metalic powder with an open pore structure; the intermediary part is implanted in the patient's mouth on on the model of same. With the aid of a lathe, we polish the external surface of the intermediary part to give a form appropriate to the final prosthesis The intermediary part is removed from the implant and the impregnated with glass at a sufficiently elevated temperature for the glass to melt and run into the part, totally filling the pores. The intermediary part is then replaced on the implant.
Perfectionment of supernetwork electro-optic modulators (P. Tronc, j. Depeyrot et J.F. Palmier, Brevet n° 9402251)