Market Report Predicts 30% Growth in Mid-Infrared Lasers Segment

Strategies Unlimited has released a new report, which says that the market for the mid-infrared lasers will expand by 30% every year through 2014. The report stated that the mid-IR sector is a complex segment, with many companies eager for acquisition. These are some of the research findings recorded in the new report titled ‘Mid-Infrared Lasers 2010’.

The mid-IR is a concealed range for the molecules’ thermal vibrations, which are utilized in thermal imaging and sensing applications. It is known for the inexpensive photons of the CO₂ lasers. The CO₂ lasers are used in large for medical applications and material processing.

The mid-IR lasers are also used in military applications such as mid-IR beacons, and illuminators for thermal imaging. It is also used in sensing applications for molecular detections, hence, have new opportunities in security standoff detection of dangerous chemicals, industrial process controls, and environmental monitoring. New solutions in compact OPOs, solid-state lasers, fiber lasers, GaSb diode lasers and OPSLs, and interband and quantum cascade lasers are expected to increase the sales of mid-IR lasers in new applications.

However, suppliers of mid-infrared lasers face distinct challenges. The components of mid-infrared are costly because of the needs for cryogenic cooling, and unusual coatings and materials. The new technologies have to meet challenges from other technologies such as LED sources, and Raman spectroscopy.

The report provides list of more than 50 companies that offer mid-IR range lasers, covering the new and legacy technologies.