Research and
Markets, the leading source for international market research and market
data, has announced announce a new study on Worldwide
nanotechnology mid infrared IR sensor markets. Worldwide mid IR sensors
are poised to achieve significant growth as military and homeland security markets
expand and provide sensors useful in commercial markets. End to end transmission
and distribution management is implemented in the smart grid. Systems integration,
management of consumer endpoints, the ability to recharge cars from renewable
energy stations, the ability to store solar power are anticipated to drive mid
IR sensor market growth.
The sensor markets depend on networks that evolve functionality based on automated
process provided by software. Middleware provides the integration technology
to support inter-connective sensor network systems in a flexible manner. No
one product or set of products yet defines this network market opportunity,
rather, the networks are evolving as people find ways to automate the decision
making process based on an increase in the quantity of available information.
Breakthrough technology in mid IR sensors brings advances that provide management
choices never before available. Complete turnkey mid-infrared laser sensor systems
are based on technology that goes from 3-12 m. Sensors are based on core semiconductor
Quantum Cascade and Interband Cascade laser technology. Laser systems are available
in both multimode and single mode DFB versions.
Applications include process monitoring, chemical sensing, medical diagnostics
and infrared counter measures. The initial markets are for military use of detection
of enemy fire from a distance and night vision sensors. Commercial markets are
evolving.
Laser products are being used in product solutions for homeland security, military
communications, infrared countermeasures, chemical warfare agent detection,
explosives detection, medical diagnostics, industrial process controls, remote
gas leak detection, pollution monitoring, and real-time combustion controls.
Homeland security, military communications, infrared countermeasures, chemical
warfare agent detection, explosives detection, medical diagnostics, industrial
process controls, remote gas leak detection, pollution monitoring, and real-time
combustion controls.
Detection of precursors for ground-level ozone formation or of aerosols is
achieved. Applications in homeland security include sensors for toxic chemicals.
The targeted applications in health-care are centred around breath analysis
of indicators for kidney and liver disease and oxidative stress, such as inflammation
or asthma.
Utilities are putting small pieces of mid IR sensors in place. Pacific Gas
& Electric spends $10 million a year on proprietary wired sensors in its
transmission and distribution network. The sensors can cost tens of thousands
of dollars each and require manual intervention, transmission and distribution
group. The utility aims to move to wireless sensors that are much lower in cost
and ride Internet Protocol networks.
It has proposed a plan to regulators to spend more than $1 billion over six
years on a network of control systems to respond automatically to problems on
its distribution system. PG&E is well along in a separate program to install
solid-state relays in its transmission substations.
The smart electrical grid is moving to electronics and sensors from a purely
mechanical infrastructure. Computer networks and systems are needed to gather
and analyze information. With information comes the ability to intelligently
control the grid. Solid state electronics provides the base for gathering information
from the electricity grid. Control is needed because renewable energy brings
several different types of electricity to be transmitted and distributed.
Markets for mid IR sensors at $70.2 million in 2008 are anticipated to reach
$865.4 million by 2015. Early trials of mid IR sensors are showing that the
products are feasible and that economies of scale are likely to bring prices
down, driving faster adoption rates in a range of industry segments.
According to Susan Eustis, lead author of the study, “Economies of scale
leverage the nanotechnology advances for mid IR sensors, creating breakthroughs
in the networked use of information from endpoints. Nanotechnology provided
by research solves the issues poised by the need to measure chemistries in every
industry segment.” Nanotechnology results obtained in the laboratory and
for military use are being translated into commercial products. The processes
of translating the nanotechnology science into mid IR sensors are anticipated
to be ongoing.
Report Methodology
This is the 408th report in a series of market research reports that provide
forecasts in communications, telecommunications, the internet, computer, software,
and telephone equipment. The project leaders take direct responsibility for
writing and preparing each report. They have significant experience preparing
industry studies. Forecasts are based on primary research and proprietary data
bases. Forecasts reflect analysis of the market trends in the segment and related
segments. Unit and dollar shipments are analyzed through consideration of dollar
volume of each market participation in the segment. Market share analysis includes
conversations with key customers of products, industry segment leaders, marketing
directors, distributors, leading market participants, and companies seeking
to develop measurable market share. Over 200 in-depth interviews are conducted
for each report with a broad range of key participants and opinion leaders in
the market segment.