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CST Global, thanks to the Scottish Enterprise (SE) funded MIRAGE project, has gained traction in the worldwide FTTH, sensing, imaging, telecoms, and data-centre markets, developing mid-infrared laser chips. MIRAGE, the first project of its kind in Scotland, was delivered by a collaboration of four SME companies - CST Global, Cascade Technologies, Gas Sensing Solutions, and Amethyst Research. The project fund of £6.35 million was managed through Scottish Enterprise (A Govt.of Scotland Initiative) and is expected to add £56 million of cumulative growth to the Scottish economy.
The cutting-edge laser technology developed for MIRAGE is applicable to a wide range of massive-growth markets. Fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) connectivity for cable television and the internet is just one, but data centre connectivity, autonomous vehicles and many other industrial, defense and healthcare applications have been enabled.
New commercial and residential buildings requiring direct FTTH connections for internet and television is a rapidly growing market, particularly in China, where CST Global already has a sales presence. According to a report by, Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA), the number of pay TV subscribers is expected to rise to 353 million by 2022.
The MIRAGE project has given CST Global access to the expertise and materials required to compete in these markets. Not only has it allowed the company to develop a new chip at the forefront of the global sensors and imaging systems sector, but it has also helped to create a globally competitive supply chain in Scotland. The team has successfully manufactured competitive lasers in high volumes and yields that meet the required ITU standards. This has created six, highly-skilled, new roles at CST Global alone, adding to their team of specialist engineers.