North East

High-tech firm wins grant to develop specialist x-ray mirrors

A north-east firm has been awarded a grant to help scientists worldwide gain a greater understanding of the microscopic world.

Crystal Scientific, which is based in Alnwick, produces specialist x-ray mirrors used inside synchrotron machines which allow scientists to view items on an atomic level.

The £75,000 research and development grant, from regional development agency One NorthEast, will help them research methods of enhancing the mirror's performance.

Established by Dr Simon Cockerton, Crystal Scientific is currently the market leader in the supply of synchrotron mirrors.

Its products are used in research facilities such as Diamond Light Source in Oxford.

Dr Cockertron said: "During the mechanical polishing of x-ray mirror substrate, deviations often occur on the surface of the mirror. We were delighted to receive this funding from One NorthEast as it will allow us to develop a Profile Coating Process to measure and correct these errors and ensure our mirrors are of the highest possible standards."

He continued to state that there is "huge potential" for this new development in improving the accuracy of scientist's and engineer's work.

One NorthEast invests approximately £280 million each year to sustain economic growth within the north-east region.

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