Southampton Startup Develops IR Fiber

SOUTHAMPTON, England, July 1 -- A startup incubated at the University of Southampton's SETsquared Centre is developing optical glass fibers that transmit infrared (IR) light that cannot be transmitted by conventional optical fibers.

The new company, ChG Southampton Ltd., is initially applying the IR fiber device for use in laser surgery, which it said is one of the most promising areas for the technology. Infrared radiation is readily absorbed by human tissue, making it ideal for laser surgery, it said, and a key requirement for laser surgery is an optical fiber that transmits IR light.

In collaboration with a team from King's College London, ChG Southampton is developing a laser scalpel that will destroy salivary duct stones. An optical fiber solution to salivary stone removal would reduce waiting times and health costs, the company said.

ChG was awarded a SMART grant for research and development from the UK Department of Trade and Industry. The company said it will eventually explore applications for the device such as dermatology, dentistry and ophthalmology.

For more information, visit: www.chgsouthampton.com