A UNIVERSITY spin-off company is hoping to emulate the success of one of its forerunners.

Durham Scientific Crystals (DSC) evolved out of ground-breaking research in making semi-conducting crystals at the University of Durham.

The crystals are used in medical imaging, security scr-eening and non-destructive testing.

The company hopes to gain 16 per cent of a £10m market within the next four years.

That would mirror the achievement of leading x-ray specialists Bede, itself a product of world-leading research at the university.

DSC is the only company in the world to have discovered how to grow semi-conducting crystals from vapour instead of liquid.

The breakthrough means it avoids problems of contamination and waste experienced by its rivals.

Conventional techniques are highly inefficient, with only between five and 15 per cent of usable crystals being produced.

DSC believes its yields are up to five times that of its competitors.

Dr Arnab Basu, DSC managing director, said: "This technology is a real step forward from the conventional technology.

"It has generated a considerable amount of interest in the market. There are major investors in medical imaging fields interested in collaborative work."

Dr Basu has been in discussions with companies about how DSC products could be used in three dimensional x-ray machines to screen luggage at airports.

The technological advances made by DSC would also enable dental x-rays to be taken using lesser amounts of radiation, which would benefit the health of patients and reduce costs.

The business venture will create jobs for eight to ten staff, the majority of whom will be local graduates

DSC will maintain close links with the university. Its administration will be at the institution's Mountjoy Research Centre in Durham.

The crystals will be produced in university laboratories in the short-term while the company grows.

Professor Brian Tanner will be chairman of the company, with principal investor Professor Max Robinson and Dr Andy Brinkman becoming directors.

The crystal growth system was developed with funding from the European Union's Vapour-Cryst programme.