A link-up between the University of Glasgow and a technology company has been named a best Knowledge Transfer Partnership project in Scotland. 

The University joined with Compound Semiconductor Technologies Global Ltd (CSTG) in Hamilton under the initiative which helps companies benefit from the latest research.

The scheme can provide funding for universities to employ a graduate or post-doctoral researcher to work within the private sector partner on a project central to the company’s needs.

The partnership between the University and CSTG was named as one of the best projects in Scotland and goes forward to the UK awards competition later this year.

CSTG, which provides a variety of services to the semiconductor and optoelectronic industry, partnered with the University to learn more about a novel foundry process for quantum cascade laser (QCL) technology. Dr Thomas Slight was hired as the KTP associate working with the company.

Award ceremony for KPT partnership between University and Compound Semiconductor Technologies Global Ltd, Hamilton.Dr Wyn Meredith, Commercial Director, CSTG said: “CSTG has successfully operated a foundry business model for advanced semiconductor optoelectronic devices since 2002. Continued expansion of the business relies on our ability to offer ‘high-value add’ device technology and fabrication processes.

“Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) technology is an emerging diode laser technology which is in its infancy in terms of commercial activity. It has great potential to enable the displacement of traditional sensing technology with high resolution optical techniques.

“The realisation of compact, high quality, infra red laser chip sources will also facilitate many new applications for non-invasive diagnostic and monitoring systems.

“By extending the collaboration already in place with Glasgow University, we wanted to embed several aspects of the technology into our fabrication and device portfolio to allow us to address multiple new markets in life sciences, defence and industrial applications.

“The partnership has established CSTs reputation for QCL manufacture and has addressed a market need for semiconductor foundry processes for the realisation of compact, mid- IR laser chip sources. We have developed various fabrication processes and several novel laser chip designs.”

The company states that QCL technology has contributed 15 per cent of company turnover to date, and mid IR device fabrication sales are expected to exceed £1m turnover by end 2013.

Professor Charles Ironside, of the School of Engineering, said: “The KTP has been very important for the publication of journal and conference papers and has helped to establish our group’s reputation for QCL chip, design fabrication and characterisation.

“Several world firsts have been achieved, which embody high-quality laser design intellectual property, and the project also led to additional spin-off benefits including a Wellcome Trust grant funding the development of magnetic sensors for brain imaging and European Space Agency funding for the development of atomic clock technology.

“The associate, Dr Thomas Slight, was key in initiating the partnership and in its ongoing management, also taking a lead role in delivering the technical aims of the project.

“The net result is a benefit to the reputation of UK Plc as a driver of high technology innovation and the potential for export revenue drive by high value add manufacturing.”

Find out more

 

 

For more information contact Stuart Forsyth in the University of Glasgow Media Relations Office on 0141 330 4831 or email stuart.forsyth@glasgow.ac.uk

Notes to Editors

Picture caption: (Left to right) Mr Neil Martin (CEO CSTG), Dr Thomas Slight (KTP Associate), Professor Charlie Ironside (UoG),Keynote Speaker,David Erdal.    

First published: 20 September 2012

<< September