Crystal cash

A US technology investment company has put nearly $2 million into a business spun out from research at Durham University.

New York-based Amphion is backing Durham Scientific Crystals (DSC), formed in 2003 to commercialise technology developed in the Physics Department, with a $1.8m dollar stake.

DSC produces improved and more cost effective semiconductor materials for detectors used in medical, security and defence digital x-ray imaging. These materials have the potential to revolutionise the medical x-ray imaging market, as well as dramatically improving the screening of baggage in airports and railways, and enabling the manufacture of in-demand handheld scanners.

DSC had a strong founding team led by Dr. Arnab Basu, as Chief Executive. It includes Prof. Brian Tanner and Prof. Max Robinson, who had considerable experience in high tech start up ventures with previous IPO successes, and Dr. Ben Cantwell and Dr. Andy Brinkman with international expertise in the technology and related fields.