Laser diodes are semiconductor devices that emit coherent light waves when an electric current passes through the diode. These diodes are compact, efficient sources of intense monochromatic light in the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectral regions. Laser diodes find applications in optical fiber telecommunication systems, laser printers, barcode scanners, fluorescence microscopy, laser surgery, laser light shows, and laser pointers. The growing adoption of laser diodes in optical communication systems and material processing applications is fueling market growth.
The Global laser diode market is estimated to be valued at US$ 11.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 18% over the forecast period from 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the laser diode market are ASML Holding NV, Trumpf GmbH + Co. KG, Axcel Photonics, Inc., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Coherent Inc., Sharp Corporation, Rofin-Sinar Technologies Inc., IPG Photonics Corp., and Newport Corp. The key players are investing heavily in R&D activities to develop innovative and more powerful laser diodes.
The rising adoption of laser diodes in optical fiber communication systems and increasing demand for fiber laser marking & engraving machines from various industries offer significant growth opportunities for laser diode manufacturers. Technological advancements such as the development of high-power laser diodes with wall plug efficiencies of more than 60% will further support market growth.
Advances in material processing technologies are enabling the development of laser diodes that emit light in the mid and far-infrared region. These laser diodes find wide applications in plastic welding, heat treatment, and medical applications and are expected to gain more prominence in the coming years.
Market drivers
Growing demand for laser materials processing: Laser diode sources are increasingly being used for various materials processing applications such as cutting, welding, drilling, and marking due to advantages such as accuracy and non-contact processing. The rapid growth of industries such as automotive and electronics is fueling demand.
Rising 5G infrastructure build-out: 5G networks require high-speed laser diode transceivers to transmit data at multi-Gbps speeds through optical fibers. With the ongoing construction of 5G networks worldwide, demand for laser diodes from the telecommunications industry is set to surge.
Increasing fiber laser adoption in manufacturing: Fiber lasers that use laser diodes as pump sources offer advantages like high wall-plug efficiency, low maintenance, and high beam quality. Their adoption is growing across automotive, electronics, medical device manufacturing, and other industries.
Current Challenges in Laser Diode Market
The laser diode market is facing challenges due to supply chain disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the virus have hampered manufacturing operations across regions. This has led to delays in supplies of necessary raw materials for laser diode production. Rising costs of components and surging freight charges are putting upward pressure on laser diode prices. Moreover, uncertainties surrounding the ongoing pandemic and issues pertaining to workers’ safety have negatively impacted investment plans of key players in this industry.
SWOT Analysis
Strength: Laser diodes offer higher efficiency and durability compared to traditional light sources. They find extensive applications in various industries which is driving their demand.
Weakness: High initial costs involved in setting up laser diode manufacturing units. Dependence on few raw material suppliers increases risk of supply constraints.
Opportunity: Rising adoption of laser technologies in medical devices, industrial processing, display, and communication sectors present major growth opportunities. Growing demand for fiber laser applications will boost the laser diode market.
Threats: Technological obsolescence is a key challenge as continuous innovation leads to short product life cycles. Trade wars and policy changes can impact global supply chains of laser diode manufacturers.
Geographical Regions
The Asia Pacific region currently dominates the global laser diode market in terms of value, owing to strong presence of both manufacturers and end-users in countries like China, Japan and South Korea. The region accounted for over 50% share of the total market value in 2023.
The Middle East and Africa region is anticipated to exhibit fastest growth during the forecast period owing to increasing investments in healthcare and telecommunication sectors of many African nations. Rapid industrialization along with growing adoption of laser-based technologies will drive the laser diode demand in Africa over the coming years.
*Note:
- Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
- We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
