GovWire

Glasgow-based SME Amethyst Research has been funded by the Centre for Defence Enterprise (CDE) to develop and demonstrate new infrared sensing capabilities.

Amethyst has demonstrated a proof-of-concept in the development of 2-colour infrared detector technology. In the future this technology could be mounted on unmanned systems for a more effective sensing capability during persistent surveillance.

The infrared sensor technology Amethyst has developed with CDE funding has already had an impact on establishing Amethyst in the UK as one of a few SMEs that can provide customised infrared solutions using III-V compound semiconductors.

Manish Jain, Program Manager, Amethyst Research says:

The support from CDE since Amethyst was launched in the UK in 2013 has made a strong contribution to the growth of our business. We have now reached a stage where we have begun manufacturing ultra-high performance Focal Plane Arrays to serve our customers in both defence and private sector.

Amethyst Research was established in the UK in 2013. Using proprietary infrared detector technology, Amethyst is a supplier and developer of single element, linear and 2D array manufacturing capabilities. The company is based at the West of Scotland Science Park in Glasgow.

About CDE

CDE funds novel, high-risk, high-potential-benefit research. We work with the broadest possible range of science and technology providers, including academia and small companies, to develop cost-effective capabilities for UK armed forces and national security.

CDE is part of Dstl.

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