Crystal Photonics

What Crystal Photonics does

Crystal Photonics GmbH is a Berlin-based, privately held German manufacturer of miniaturized nuclear radiation detection systems founded in 1997. The company designs and manufactures Class IIA medical gamma probe systems (SG03, SG04 control units) and a family of interchangeable probes — HiSens straight, FlexProbe angled, Crystal Wireless Bluetooth probes, laparoscopic 0°/45°/90° probes, PET probes, and beta probes — used in radioguided surgery for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNE), radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL), and combined SNOLL procedures in breast cancer, melanoma, and minimally invasive surgery. The medical portfolio also includes the CrystalCam handheld USB gamma camera using CdZnTe semiconductor technology for intraoperative visualization.

The company's technology rests on proprietary detector stacks combining CdZnTe semiconductors, CsI:Tl, BGO, LYSO:Ce, and CdWO4 scintillation crystals, and Si pin-photodiodes with integrated temperature-compensated transimpedance preamplifiers. This enables solid-state detectors that operate without high-voltage power supplies and are insensitive to mechanical shock and electromagnetic fields — a meaningful differentiator in operating room and OEM integration contexts. Industrial and research product lines include CXD detector heads, CXM monitoring detectors (e.g., CXM-Sz20-TK for radiopharmaceutical QC), and CXS spectroscopy detectors spanning 2 keV to 2 MeV energy ranges.

Crystal Photonics generates revenue primarily through direct hardware sales to hospitals and nuclear medicine departments in Germany and through exclusive country-specific distributors in Austria, Belgium, Spain, India, Italy, Poland, Turkey, and the USA. Recurring service revenue from 24-hour replacement, calibration, MTK metrological checks, repair, and recycling supplements hardware sales. The company holds ISO 9001 (to 2028), ISO 13485 (to 2029), CE 0633 (extended to 2028-12-31), FDA, SFDA China, Japan, and Korea regulatory registrations. OEM detector sales to radiopharmaceutical synthesis module manufacturers and security/defense research applications (via the BMBF-funded NESIS consortium) extend the revenue base beyond surgical oncology.

Name

Crystal Photonics

Legal name

Crystal Photonics GmbH

Website

https://crystal-photonics.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Crystal Photonics GmbH is a Berlin-based manufacturer of miniaturized nuclear radiation detectors, primarily Class IIA medical gamma probe systems and probes for radioguided surgery (sentinel lymph node biopsy), plus the CrystalCam handheld gamma camera and industrial CdZnTe/CsI:Tl OEM detectors. It sells directly in Germany and through exclusive distributors in 8 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Medical Radiation Detection Equipment

NAICS

Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing (334510), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing (334517)

SIC

Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841), Electromedical & Electrotherapeutic Apparatus (3845), X-Ray Apparatus & Tubes & Related Irradiation Apparatus (3844), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging (SPECT/PET) (HLAHABAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Radiation Detection Instruments & Systems (Portal monitors, spectrometers, contamination monitors) (EUAKAIAK), Radioisotope Production (Reactor/Cyclotron/Gamma) (HLAIAGAD), Nuclear Medicine Imaging Tracers & PET/SPECT Supply Chain (FDG, Ga-68, logistics/cold chain) (EUAKAIAE)

Keywords

• Medical gamma probes
• Nuclear radiation detection
• Radioguided surgery systems
• Scintillation crystal detectors
• Sentinel lymph node detection

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Medical Gamma Probe Systems: Sale of complete gamma probe systems (SG03, SG04 control units) and compatible probes including wireless, straight, laparoscopic, and specialty probes for radioguided surgery applications.
2. Industrial Nuclear Detectors: Manufacturing and sale of miniaturized alpha, beta, gamma, beta+ and X-ray detectors, OEM detectors for synthesis modules for radiopharmaceutical production, and custom detector systems.
3. Service and Support: 24-hour replacement service for Germany, direct support service, calibration, repair and recycling services, and metrological checks (MTK) for medical devices.
4. CrystalCam Handheld Gamma Camera: Sale of portable gamma cameras for medical visualization applications including sentinel lymph node localization and radioguided surgery.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Crystal Photonics GmbH designs and manufactures nuclear radiation detection systems for medical and industrial applications. The company's core offering is the Crystal Probe *-automatic-* (SG04) gamma probe system — a Class IIA medical device for radioguided surgery, including sentinel lymph node biopsy — supported by multiple probe variants (straight, flexible, wireless Bluetooth, laparoscopic, PET, beta) and the CrystalCam handheld CdZnTe gamma camera. The firm also produces miniaturized industrial nuclear detectors (CXD detector heads, CXM monitoring detectors, CXS spectroscopy detectors) using Si-pin photodiodes, CdZnTe semiconductors, and scintillation crystals (CsI:Tl, BGO, LYSO:Ce, CdWO4).

Product overview

Crystal Photonics is a specialized manufacturer of nuclear radiation detection systems serving medical and industrial markets. The medical product portfolio centers on the Crystal Probe *-automatic-* (SG04) gamma probe system - a Class IIA medical device with automated probe recognition and nuclide selection - which accommodates multiple probe types including HiSens (straight), FlexProbe (flexible), Crystal Wireless Probe (Bluetooth), laparoscopic probes (0°/45°/90°), PET probe, and Beta probe. The company also offers CrystalCam, a handheld CdZnTe gamma camera for real-time surgical visualization. For industrial applications, Crystal Photonics manufactures miniaturized CXD detector heads, CXM monitoring detectors, and CXS spectroscopy detectors using silicon photodiodes, CdZnTe, and scintillation crystals (CsI:Tl, BGO, YLSO, CdWO4). All products are developed and manufactured in Berlin, Germany, with ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certification.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Crystal Probe *-automatic-* (SG04) Class IIA medical gamma probe control unit for radioguided surgery featuring automated probe recognition, automatic nuclide selection, and self-diagnosis. Includes 5.5-inch backlit LCD display, acoustic signals, and 13+ hours battery operation. Used by hospitals and surgical oncology teams for sentinel lymph node excision and related procedures.
• CrystalCam Handheld Gamma Camera Portable handheld USB gamma camera using cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) semiconductor technology with 40x40mm field of view, 256-pixel (16x16) imaging, energy resolution <7% at 140 keV, and DICOM-compatible image processing. Provides real-time visualization and localization of radioactive markers for surgical teams.
• Crystal Probe System (SG03) Previous generation medical gamma probe control unit for sentinel lymph node detection with 6-way nuclide selector switch, 13-hour battery/mains operation, optional USB interface, and Windows-compatible Visual Count software. Used by hospitals performing radioguided surgery.
• HiSens Straight Gamma Probe Standard straight gamma probe for sentinel lymph node detection with CsI:Tl scintillation crystal, 20mm² pin-photodiode, >20,000 counts/s/MBq sensitivity, 99.97% side shielding at 140 keV, 40° opening angle, 15mm diameter, and ~200g weight. Designed for use with SG03/SG04 control units in radioguided surgery.
• FlexProbe Flexible gamma probe combining straight and angled functionality. Head piece deflects 30° from straight position for use behind non-removable tissue. Uses CsI:Tl crystal Ø6mm x 8mm with 20mm² photodiode and same collimator sleeves as HiSens. For surgical teams requiring access to lesions behind obstructions.
• Crystal Wireless Probe Wireless Bluetooth gamma probe eliminating connection cables with 10m Bluetooth range. Connects to SG03/SG04 control units, Windows PCs, or Android devices. Integrated collimation with 99.97% side shielding, >18,000 counts/s/MBq sensitivity, and >15-16h Li-ion battery operation. For surgical teams needing cable-free OR setups.
• Laparoscopic Gamma Probes (0°, 45°, 90°) Minimally invasive probes for endoscopic surgery with 10mm diameter, 515mm length, tungsten collimator with >99% side shielding at 140 keV. Three view directions: 0°, 45°, and 90° to probe axis. Sensitivity up to 23,000 counts/s/MBq (90° model). Designed for minimally invasive surgical procedures.
• Beta Probe (CXS-OP-ß) Medical probe for low-energy gamma (12-50 keV) and beta radiation (100 keV - 2 MeV) detection. Also detects positron (beta+) radiation from PET nuclides, particularly 68Ga. 12mm diameter, 15,000 counts/s/MBq sensitivity, 45° opening angle.
• PET Probe Gamma probe for higher energy radiation detection including 131I (365 keV) and 511 keV positron annihilation radiation. Two versions: 22mm diameter (75% side shielding) and 31mm diameter (93% side shielding at 511 keV). Sensitivity >5,000 counts/s/MBq at 45° opening angle. For procedures using higher-energy PET tracers.
• CXD Detector Heads Industrial nuclear radiation detector heads including CXD-Sz2B, CXD-Sz10B, CXD-S10, CXD-SZ20, and CXD-SZ80 models. Feature various configurations of Si-pin photodiodes with optional CsI:Tl scintillation crystals for spectroscopy and monitoring applications. OEM detectors for integration into radiopharmaceutical synthesis equipment.
• CXM-Sz20-TK Monitoring Detector Temperature-controlled monitoring detector for high energy and high dose rate applications in radiopharmaceutical production. 20mm² Si-photodiode with CsI:Tl scintillation crystal, 100 keV - 1.5 MeV range, linear output 50 µSv/h to 1000 mSv/h. No high-voltage power supply required.
• CXS-S Spectroscopy Detectors Spectroscopy and counting detectors for α, β, γ, X-rays and positrons. Energy range 2 keV to 2 MeV (γ/X-rays), 25 keV to 5 MeV (β-rays). Models include CXS-S5-F (with window comparator), CXS-Sz50, CXS-Sz80, and CXS-Sz80/2/YLSO. Amplifier and discriminator electronics fully integrated in detector package.
• CXM Monitoring Detectors β, γ, and X-ray monitoring detectors with linear dose rate measurement. Models include CXM-GC01 (low-energy γ/X-ray), CXM-S200 (X-ray intensity), CXM-S80/β (beta sources), and CXM-S80-U (PET monitoring). Operating range 5 keV to 2 MeV with integrated preamplifier.
• Service and Support 24-hour replacement service for Germany, direct support service, calibration, repair and recycling services, and metrological checks (MTK) for medical devices. Includes warranty, maintenance, repair, and recycling services for international customers through local distributors.

Quantifiable outcome

• Gamma probe sensitivity >20,000 counts/s/MBq with >99.97% side shielding at 140 keV
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• German Society of Nuclear Medicine (DGN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional society membership providing access to nuclear medicine community and expert network. DGN is the standard professional organization for nuclear medicine in Germany.
• NESIS (Network for Integrated Security Monitoring)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch and development partner for civilian security applications. Funded by German Federal Ministry of Economics (BMBF). Focuses on airport security and protection against attacks.
• OUT e.V. (Optotransmitter Environmental Protection Technology)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in environmental protection technology applications for radiation detection systems.
• Technische Universität Dresden - Workgroup Radiation PhysicscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClinical and research partner collaborating on BMBF-funded project to develop CrystalCam handheld gamma camera for radioguided surgery. Partner since project inception.
• Universitätsklinikum Leipzig - Nuclear MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClinical partner for development and testing of nuclear medicine applications. Collaborates on BMBF-funded CrystalCam development project.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Hidex: Hidex manufactures radiation detection and measurement instruments, including dose calibrators and spectroscopy detectors used in radiopharmaceutical and nuclear medicine settings — an emerging European specialist with partial overlap in OEM detectors for synthesis modules.

Direct peers

• Intramedical Imaging: Intramedical Imaging manufactures the Node Seeker and other gamma probe systems used for intraoperative radioguided surgery, particularly sentinel lymph node detection in breast cancer and melanoma — competing directly with Crystal Photonics in hospital nuclear medicine departments.
• Devicor Medical Products (Leica Biosystems): Devicor, now part of Leica Biosystems/Mammotome, manufactures the neoprobe Gamma Detection System, one of the most established gamma probe brands for sentinel lymph node biopsy and radioguided surgery — directly competing with Crystal Photonics' Crystal Probe system in the same clinical workflow.
• Dilon Technologies: Dilon Technologies produces the Dilon 6800 handheld gamma camera (and predecessor Dilon 3000), which directly competes with Crystal Photonics' CrystalCam for intraoperative radioguided surgery visualization in breast cancer and melanoma procedures.
• Berthold Technologies: Berthold Technologies is a German-based manufacturer of radiation measurement and detection systems, including OEM detector components and spectroscopy instruments. As a similarly-sized European specialist, it directly competes with Crystal Photonics' industrial detector division.
• Eurorad: Eurorad is a European manufacturer of CdZnTe and CdTe radiation detectors for medical imaging and nuclear detection applications. Its CdZnTe semiconductor technology directly overlaps with Crystal Photonics' CdZnTe-based CrystalCam and OEM detector offerings.

Broad incumbents

• Hologic: Hologic, a broad women's health incumbent, sells the LOCalizer wire-free radar localization system used in breast surgery as an alternative to radioactive seed localization. Its surgical guidance portfolio creates indirect competitive pressure on Crystal Photonics' sentinel lymph node biopsy workflow.
• CareFusion (BD): BD (via CareFusion) historically distributed the Navigator gamma probe system for surgical localization; as a broad incumbent medical device conglomerate, BD has the scale and salesforce reach to leverage gamma probes alongside its wider surgical portfolio, posing a competitive threat to specialist manufacturers like Crystal Photonics.
• Mirion Technologies: Mirion is a global leader in radiation detection and measurement, offering portal monitors, spectroscopy systems, and OEM detector modules. Its industrial detector portfolio overlaps with Crystal Photonics' CXD/CXM/CXS detector lines, particularly in radiopharmaceutical and security applications.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific (Nuclear Detection): Thermo Fisher's nuclear detection business (formerly Thermo Scientific) provides radiation monitoring instruments, spectroscopy detectors, and portal monitors — a broad incumbent competing with Crystal Photonics in industrial/research radiation detection, OEM detector modules, and nuclear safeguards applications.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/crystal-photonics-gmbh

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Crystal Photonics