Presentation of Patrick Chapon
Patrick Chapon: GD-OES Product Manager and Senior Expert at HORIBA France
Patrick Chapon is the main instructor for training courses dedicated to glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GD-OES) offered by HORIBA, in French and English:
- Glow Discharge Optical Emission Spectroscopy training: Software expertise, calibration, measurements, and diagnostics.
- Formation GD-OES HORIBA : Maîtrise du logiciel, étalonnage, mesures et diagnostics.
Patrick began his journey with Jobin Yvon in 1989, a company now integrated into the HORIBA group. He serves as GD-OES Product Manager and Senior Expert at HORIBA France. Over his 27 years specializing in GD-OES, Patrick has played a pivotal role in advancing GD technology through extensive research and innovative developments. His contributions include filing 17 patents to GD, notably one for the DIP system. He has collaborated on over 80 scientific articles, authored five book chapters, and contributed three issues to Engineering Techniques focusing on GD. Glow discharge spectrometry (GD-OES or SDL in French) bridges the domains of plasma science, thin films, and optical spectroscopy. Additionally, Patrick Chapon oversaw a European project on GD-MS from 2006 to 2009, further demonstrating his expertise in the field.
A passion for scientific education and training
Patrick Chapon is not only a recognized expert in analytical instrumentation but also a passionate advocate for sharing scientific knowledge.
For over a decade, he has played a pivotal role in shaping future scientists and engineers by teaching in the Master's program in Materials Engineering at the Orsay faculty. His lectures delve into diverse topics such as optics, thin films, plasmas, and advanced analysis techniques, including glow discharge spectroscopy, a subject that remains uncommon in academic curricula. Patrick attaches great importance to training the next generation of scientists and engineers.
“Instrumentation is the eyes and hands of science.”
Applications in many industrial sectors
The technique is used in many fields, such as materials for energy, automotive, and semiconductors. During the courses, participants will be able to perform elemental profiling on all types of solid samples in thin or thick layers, coatings, plasma deposits, tribological layers, corroded materials, etc.
A hybrid training course combining theory, practice and a variety of teaching methods
HORIBA's GD-OES training courses, led by Patrick Chapon, are designed in a hybrid format that combines online learning with hands-on laboratory sessions. The initial module consists of four 2.5-hour videoconference sessions on Teams, covering the theoretical and practical aspects of the technique. It includes presentations, explanatory videos, theoretical documents, exercises, and numerous practical case studies, making it accessible to a broad audience without geographical or logistical limitations. Additionally, its cost-effective nature makes it an attractive option. Throughout this highly interactive phase, participants have the opportunity to engage directly with Patrick and have their questions answered.
The second module takes place in person at HORIBA's Center of Excellence in Palaiseau, within The Analytical Solution Plaza. Using the GD-Profiler 2 instrument, this segment focuses on practical applications, with topics tailored to participants' requests. Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring their own samples to enhance their hands-on learning experience.
GD technology lends itself well to practical training courses because the instrument is easy to use and measurements are quick. Our customers can therefore measure their own samples while benefiting from the many tips and tricks provided during the training. These courses are tailored to the participants, whether they are beginners, advanced users, or experts. The aim is to enable users to make the best use of the technology in their laboratories.
“Come and try to stump our trainer with new samples that have never been studied before!”
Scientific awards and collaborations
In 2014, Patrick received the IP Gold Award from HORIBA in recognition of his patent on UFS (Ultra Fast Sputtering), which enables unique applications and is, of course, presented during the internship.
Patrick Chapon co-authored the GD chapter in the book “Compendium of Surface and Interface Analysis” published by the Japanese Society for Surface Science with Professor Kenichi Shimizu, and he has very strong ties with Japan. He also collaborated with Australian researcher Richard (Dick) Payling, a pioneer in GD technology, before the tragic accident that claimed Payling's life.
Transmission and innovation
Deeply engaged in scientific development, Patrick Chapon is currently collaborating with a team of colleagues on a new development for which he recently filed and received a patent. Patrick has also relaunched the internal “Jeudis de Jobin” monthly meeting, fostering a stronger and more diverse corporate culture. These gatherings provide a platform for colleagues to share their expertise and host researchers and prominent scientific professionals who discuss their work. This exchange of ideas helps build connections that could inspire projects, drive innovations, and spark fresh developments at HORIBA France.
