Pioneering research by Southampton’s Astronomy Group over the last 40 years explored designing technology for gamma-ray detection with the initial aim of developing the European Space Agency’s INTErnational Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory (INTEGRAL) space telescope.
INTEGRAL was one of the first space telescopes with high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy systems and was deployed into space in the early 2000s to help solve some of astronomy’s biggest mysteries.
Spin-out company Symetrica was created in 2002 to commercialise this research into applications that could be used in counter-terrorism and healthcare.
The focus on counter-terrorism activities has been increasing significantly with a continuing requirement for more sophisticated forms of detection. The challenge was to develop detection systems that could distinguish between different forms of radioactive materials and also be effective, accurate, portable and user-friendly.