Global Markets for Laser Systems, Components and Materials

Report Summary

• The global market for lasers in 2010 was $7.1 billion and is expected to reach $7.9 billion in 2011. The market is expected to rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% and reach nearly $12.5 billion by 2016.
• The contribution of the Americas region will change from 29.5% in 2011 to 27.5% in 2016. This market segment is estimated to reach nearly $2.3 billion in 2011 and $3.4 billion by 2016, a CAGR of 7.9% over the five year period.
• The contribution of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region will change from 41.6% in 2011 to 44.1% in 2016. The segment is expected to reach $3.3 billion in 2011, and should reach nearly $5.5 billion in 2016, a CAGR of 10.8% between 2011 and 2016.

REPORT SCOPE

INTRODUCTION

“Laser” is an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.  Lasers are not a new invention by any yardstick.  Indeed, most of the mainstream laser categories were invented close to 5 decades ago.  The newest laser categories covered in this report are fiber lasers, which became commercially available over the last 5 years. The operating philosophy and principles are pretty much the same.  In spite of this relative calm on the theoretical front, lasers continue to be part of cutting edge devices across verticals.  A cursory look at the applications of lasers reveals that not only are lasers part of the state of the art, they are instrumental in driving the state of the art itself.  The continuing appeal of lasers underlines the sovereignty of their value proposition, which can be summed up as coherent, powerful, and pure light.

The generic nature of lasers’ appeal also leads to interesting dilemmas.  It is impossible to characterize the laser market as a whole.  The picture of its market is a combination of pictures created by the dynamics of the verticals that lasers are employed in and created by the dynamics of raw materials that lasers employ.  This disparity is manifested most clearly in the wide range of average selling price values of its modules depending on the application and the energy medium.  These values can range from as little as a dollar to tens of thousands of dollars.  It would not be out of place to mention that lasers are a fairly accurate indicator of the health of the markets at large.

This report is an attempt to list, elaborate, highlight, and analyze the multitudes of demand and supply side dynamics of lasers at large.

The report focuses on laser modules - lasers at their bare minimum.  This distinction is important, as laser modules are available in varied levels of readiness for integration.  Customization is the name of the game for lasers, and lasers modules are designed with a particular application in mind more often than not.  This report defines a laser module as one that performs basic laser functions of light amplification and focus.  The report uses the terms lasers and laser modules interchangeably.  The market forecasts do not cover the metrics of the devices that lasers are eventually integrated in.

STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

This study has the following goals and objectives:

• Measuring and forecasting the global market size for laser modules in value (dollar sales) and volume (shipment sales) terms
• Breaking down the global laser market along individual energy medium type in value and volume terms: diode, fiber, carbon dioxide, solid-state, excimer, dye, and other gas lasers
• Breaking down the global laser market along individual end applications in value and volume terms: telecommunications; instrumentation and scientific research; medicine; energy, defense, and surveillance; computing and entertainment; industrial and automotive; as well as retail and others
• Breaking down the global laser market along individual regions in value and volume terms: the Americas; Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA); and Asia Pacific (APAC)
• Breaking down the global laser market along value chain contributors: active material, firing source and other components, as well as operating margins
• Breaking down the market for individual laser type along individual end applications in value and volume terms: telecommunications; instrumentation and scientific research; medicine; energy, defense, and surveillance; computing and entertainment; industrial and automotive; as well as retail and others
• Breaking down the market for individual laser type along individual regions in value and volume terms: the Americas; Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA); and Asia Pacific (APAC)
• Breaking down the market for individual laser type along value chain contributors: active material, firing source and other components, as well as operating margins
• Breaking down the global laser market along key individual countries in value and volume terms: USA, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain, the Netherlands, Turkey, China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Indonesia
• Analyzing the stakeholder landscape in the laser value chain
• Analyzing the patenting activity involving laser modules

REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY

The laser market is extremely fragmented at all levels – innovation, design, manufacturing, integration, and sales.  While the technology driving lasers is fairly consistent in its underpinnings, there is no single market research study that attempts to present a composite picture of the overall market for lasers and modules spanning major application verticals and major laser types.  It is impossible to forecast the market size for laser modules in isolation.  One has to consider the extremely varied scenarios that characterize its demand and supply side dynamics.  The former is represented by the end application verticals while the latter is manifested in energy media defining the laser types.  This report breaks down the laser market along all major categories on both the sides.

In times of economic downturn, it is important to analyze the profitability of engaging in laser manufacturing ventures.  This report attempts to quantify the various stages of value additions in laser revenue generation.

A study of lasers is nothing short of a complete macroeconomic analysis.  This report provides a granular view of individual country markets in volume and value terms in 17 key nations spanning all global regions.

SCOPE OF THE REPORT

The report forecasts the size of the market in current U.S. dollars as well as in millions of shipment units for lasers from 2011 through 2016.

The report forecasts the market size for the following:

• Individual laser types such as diode, fiber, carbon dioxide, solid-state, excimer, dye, and other gas lasers
• The above forecasts are classified on the basis of end application vertical, geographical region and seventeen key nations on volume and value bases as well as value chain contributors on value basis.

The Executive Summary provides a snapshot of key findings of the report.

The chapter on theory of lasers and their applications introduces and explains central operating concepts of lasers and then enlists key laser applications.

The chapter on dynamics of laser types highlights differences and also identifies important common threads that run through diverse laser types.

The chapter on global markets provides a 360-degree view of the laser market quantitatively.

The chapter on regional analysis – Americas presents the overall market metrics and overview of the region followed by analyses of individual major countries such as USA, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico.

The chapter on regional analysis – EMEA presents the overall market metrics and overview of the region followed by analyses of individual major countries such as Germany, France, UK, Spain, Italy, Russia, the Netherlands, and Turkey.

The chapter on regional analysis – APAC presents the overall market metrics and overview of the region followed by analyses of individual major countries such as China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Indonesia.

The chapter on stakeholders and value highlights stakeholder categories and analyzes their activities in this domain and clarifies where and how they fit in the larger picture.

The U.S. Patent Analysis chapter highlights the patenting activity underway in the area of laser modules.  The chapter classifies the patents awarded according to categories such as carbon dioxide lasers, dye lasers, excimer lasers, fiber lasers, generic gas lasers, helium based lasers, ion lasers, quantum cascade lasers, general semiconductor lasers, solid-state lasers, and vertical cavity surface-emitting laser VCSELs.

INTENDED AUDIENCE

This report will be relevant to the following:

• Laser module manufacturers to analyze the market prospects for their offerings broken down by laser type, end application, geographical regions, and key country markets
• Allied component suppliers to identify the sunrise and sunset technology trends among lasers
• Original equipment manufacturers and other laser integrators to analyze the prospects of the laser technology employed by them in their devices, equipment and products

INFORMATION SOURCES

Both primary and secondary research methodologies were used in this study.  Industry experts were interviewed as primary sources; secondary sources included industry consortia, individual company financial statements, published opinions, and other published sources.
 

Table of Contents

Chapter- 1: INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY
SCOPE OF THE REPORT
INTENDED AUDIENCE
METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
RELATED REPORTS
BCC ON-LINE SERVICES
DISCLAIMER

Chapter- 2: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY   

Table 0 : DOLLAR SALES FOR LASERS, BY REGION, THROUGH 2016

Figure 0 : DOLLAR SALES FOR LASERS, BY REGION, 2009-2016

Chapter- 3: THEORY OF LASERS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS   
INTRODUCTION TO LASERS
APPLICATIONS OF LASERS

Chapter- 4: DYNAMICS OF LASER TYPES
WHY ARE LASER TYPES IMPORTANT?
DIODE LASERS
FIBER LASERS
CARBON DIOXIDE LASER
SOLID-STATE LASER
EXCIMER LASER
DYE LASER
OTHER GAS LASERS

Chapter- 5: GLOBAL MARKETS
INTRODUCTION
OVERALL GLOBAL MARKET
DIODE LASERS
FIBER LASERS
CARBON DIOXIDE LASERS
SOLID-STATE LASERS
EXCIMER LASERS
DYE LASERS
OTHER GAS LASERS

Chapter- 6: REGIONAL ANALYSIS – AMERICAS
OVERALL MARKET METRICS
OVERVIEW OF THE MARKET
MAJOR COUNTRY PROFILES

Chapter- 7: REGIONAL ANALYSIS – EMEA
OVERALL MARKET METRICS
OVERVIEW OF THE MARKET
MAJOR COUNTRY PROFILES

Chapter- 8: THE ASIA-PACIFIC MARKET
OVERALL MARKET METRICS
OVERVIEW OF THE MARKET
MAJOR COUNTRY PROFILES

Chapter- 9: STAKEHOLDERS AND VALUE CHAIN
STAKEHOLDER CATEGORIES
KEY COMPANY PROFILES

Chapter- 10: U.S. PATENT ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
TRENDS BY FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES
TRENDS BY YEAR
TRENDS BY COUNTRY
TRENDS BY ASSIGNEE

Table 75 : LIST OF ASSIGNEES FOR THE U.S. IN LASERS, 1976 THROUGH AUGUST 2011

Table 76 : ASSIGNEES OF FOUR OR MORE U.S. PATENTS IN LASERS, 1976 THROUGH AUGUST 2011

List of Tables

Summary Table : DOLLAR SALES FOR LASERS, BY REGION, THROUGH 2016
Table 1 : DOLLAR SALES FOR LASERS, BY REGION
Table 2 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR LASERS, BY REGION, THROUGH 2016
Table 3 : DOLLAR SALES FOR LASERS, BY LASER TYPE, THROUGH 2016
Table 4 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR LASERS, BY LASER TYPE, THROUGH 2016
Table 5 : DOLLAR SALES FOR LASERS, BY END APPLICATION, THROUGH 2016
Table 6 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR LASERS, BY END APPLICATION, THROUGH 2016
Table 7 : DOLLAR VALUE CHAIN BREAKDOWN OF LASERS, THROUGH 2016
Table 8 : DOLLAR SALES FOR DIODE LASERS, BY REGION, THROUGH 2016
Table 9 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR DIODE LASERS, BY REGION, THROUGH 2016
Table 10 : DOLLAR SALES FOR DIODE LASERS, BY END APPLICATION, THROUGH 2016
Table 11 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR DIODE LASERS, BY END APPLICATION, THROUGH 2016
Table 12 : DOLLAR VALUE CHAIN BREAKDOWN OF DIODE LASERS, THROUGH 2016
Table 13 : DOLLAR SALES FOR FIBER LASERS, BY REGION, THROUGH 2016
Table 14 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR FIBER LASERS, BY REGION, THROUGH 2016
Table 15 : DOLLAR SALES FOR FIBER LASERS, BY END APPLICATION, THROUGH 2016
Table 16 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR FIBER LASERS, BY END APPLICATION, THROUGH 2016
Table 17 : DOLLAR VALUE CHAIN BREAKDOWN OF FIBER LASERS , THROUGH 2016
Table 18 : DOLLAR SALES FOR CARBON DIOXIDE LASERS, BY REGION, THROUGH 2016
Table 19 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR CARBON DIOXIDE LASERS, BY REGION, THROUGH 2016
Table 20 : DOLLAR SALES FOR CARBON DIOXIDE LASERS, BY END APPLICATION, THROUGH 2016
Table 21 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR CARBON DIOXIDE LASERS, BY END APPLICATION, THROUGH 2016
Table 22 : DOLLAR VALUE CHAIN BREAKDOWN OF CARBON DIOXIDE LASERS, THROUGH 2016
Table 23 : DOLLAR SALES FOR SOLID-STATE LASERS, BY REGION, THROUGH 2016
Table 24 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR SOLID-STATE LASERS, BY REGION, THROUGH 2016
Table 25 : DOLLAR SALES FOR SOLID-STATE LASERS, BY END APPLICATION, THROUGH 2016
Table 26 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR SOLID-STATE LASERS, BY END APPLICATION, THROUGH 2016
Table 27 : DOLLAR VALUE CHAIN BREAKDOWN OF SOLID-STATE LASERS, THROUGH 2016
Table 28 : DOLLAR SALES FOR EXCIMER LASERS, BY REGION, THROUGH 2016
Table 29 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR EXCIMER LASERS, BY REGION, THROUGH 2016
Table 30 : DOLLAR SALES FOR EXCIMER LASERS, BY END APPLICATION, THROUGH 2016
Table 31 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR EXCIMER LASERS, BY END APPLICATION, THROUGH 2016
Table 32 : DOLLAR VALUE CHAIN BREAKDOWN OF EXCIMER LASERS, THROUGH 2016
Table 33 : DOLLAR SALES FOR DYE LASERS, BY REGION, THROUGH 2016
Table 34 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR DYE LASERS, BY REGION, THROUGH 2016
Table 35 : DOLLAR SALES FOR DYE LASERS, BY END APPLICATION, THROUGH 2016
Table 36 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR DYE LASERS, BY END APPLICATION, THROUGH 2016
Table 37 : DOLLAR VALUE CHAIN BREAKDOWN OF DYE LASERS
Table 38 : DOLLAR SALES FOR OTHER GAS LASERS, BY REGION, THROUGH 2016
Table 39 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR OTHER GAS LASERS, BY REGION, THROUGH 2016
Table 40 : DOLLAR SALES FOR OTHER GAS LASERS, BY END APPLICATION, THROUGH 2016
Table 41 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR OTHER GAS LASERS, BY END APPLICATION, THROUGH 2016
Table 42 : DOLLAR VALUE CHAIN BREAKDOWN OF OTHER GAS LASERS, THROUGH 2016
Table 43 : DOLLAR SALES FOR LASERS TO THE AMERICAS REGION, BY MAJOR COUNTRIES, THROUGH 2016
Table 44 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR LASERS TO THE AMERICAS REGION, BY MAJOR COUNTRIES, THROUGH 2016
Table 45 : DOLLAR SALES FOR LASERS TO THE AMERICAS REGION, BY LASER TYPE , THROUGH 2016
Table 46 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR LASERS TO THE AMERICAS REGION, BY LASER TYPE, THROUGH 2016
Table 47 : MARKET FOR LASERS IN THE USA, THROUGH 2016
Table 48 : MARKET FOR LASERS IN BRAZIL THROUGH 2016
Table 49 : MARKET FOR LASERS IN CANADA
Table 50 : MARKET FOR LASERS IN MEXICO, THROUGH 2016
Table 51 : THE EMEA MARKET, BY MAJOR COUNTRY, THROUGH 2016
Table 52 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR LASERS TO THE EMEA REGION, BY MAJOR COUNTRIES, THROUGH 2016
Table 53 : DOLLAR SALES FOR LASERS TO THE EMEA REGION, BY LASER TYPE, THROUGH 2016
Table 54 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR LASERS TO THE EMEA REGION, BY LASER TYPE, THROUGH 2016
Table 55 : MARKET FOR LASERS IN GERMANY, THROUGH 2016
Table 56 : MARKET FOR LASERS IN FRANCE, THROUGH 2016
Table 57 : MARKET FOR LASERS IN THE UK, THROUGH 2016
Table 58 : MARKET FOR LASERS IN ITALY, THROUGH 2016
Table 59 : MARKET FOR LASERS IN RUSSIA, THROUGH 2016
Table 60 : MARKET FOR LASERS IN SPAIN, THROUGH 2016
Table 61 : MARKET FOR LASERS IN THE NETHERLANDS, THROUGH 2016
Table 62 : MARKET FOR LASERS IN TURKEY, THROUGH 2016
Table 63 : DOLLAR SALES FOR LASERS TO THE APAC REGION, BY MAJOR COUNTRIES, THROUGH 2016
Table 64 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR LASERS TO THE APAC REGION, BY MAJOR COUNTRIES, THROUGH 2016
Table 65 : DOLLAR SALES FOR LASERS TO THE APAC REGION, BY LASER TYPE, THROUGH 2016
Table 66 : SHIPMENT SALES FOR LASERS TO THE APAC REGION, BY LASER TYPE, THROUGH 2016
Table 67 : MARKET FOR LASERS IN CHINA, THROUGH 2016
Table 68 : MARKET FOR LASERS IN JAPAN, THROUGH 2016
Table 69 : MARKET FOR LASERS IN INDIA, THROUGH 2016
Table 70 : MARKET FOR LASERS IN INDONESIA, THROUGH 2016
Table 71 : MARKET FOR LASERS IN SOUTH KOREA, THROUGH 2016
Table 72 : U.S. PATENTS IN LASERS BY PATENT CATEGORY, 1976 THROUGH AUGUST 2011
Table 73 : U.S. PATENT TRENDS IN LASERS BY YEAR OF GRANT, 1976 THROUGH AUGUST 2011
Table 74 : SHARES OF U.S. PATENTS IN LASERS BY COUNTRY OF GRANT, 1976 THROUGH AUGUST 2011
Table 75 : LIST OF ASSIGNEES FOR THE U.S. IN LASERS, 1976 THROUGH AUGUST 2011
Table 76 : ASSIGNEES OF FOUR OR MORE U.S. PATENTS IN LASERS, 1976 THROUGH AUGUST 2011

List of Figures

Summary Figure : DOLLAR SALES FOR LASERS, BY REGION, 2009-2016