INTRODUCTION
STUDY BACKGROUND
The field of microscopy has undergone an enormous evolution since the earliest optical microscopes were developed in the 1600s. The optical microscope has been refined continuously since its introduction, resulting in today’s superb scientific instruments. However, the optical microscope is ultimately limited in the minimum size and nature of the features it can resolve by manufacturability constraints and, ultimately, the physics of light itself.
New microscopy technologies have been developed to overcome these limitations, such as electron, scanning probe, and focused ion beam microscopy. The field of microscopy continues to evolve rapidly, as new requirements and imaging technologies are developed. While optical microscopes once accounted for the bulk of all microscopes sold in the world today, they are in the minority today.
While microscopes today are a billion-dollar industry, their true importance lies in the activities they make possible, such as life-sciences research, microelectronics, and advanced-materials science. Microscopy is particularly important to the expanding field of nanotechnology.
STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of this study is to provide the reader with an understanding of developments in microscopy technologies and applications that will influence the future size and structure of the market for various types of microscope and microscope accessories. Specific objectives include identifying segments of the microscopy market with the greatest commercial potential in the near to mid-term (2009 to 2014), identifying and, where possible, quantifying the key demand drivers, projecting future demand for different types of microscope, and evaluating the technical and other challenges that must be overcome for the market to realize its full potential
INTENDED AUDIENCE
The report is intended especially for manufacturers and vendors of microscopes and related accessories. Other readers who should find it particularly useful include entrepreneurs, investors, venture capitalists and other readers with a need to know where the microscopy market is headed over the next 5 years.
The report should also be of interest to end-users such as nanotechnology companies, whose technology road maps may make critical assumptions about the availability and performance of different materials characterization technologies, including microscopes. Other potential readers include members of technical and professional organizations such as ASM International and the American Society for Nondestructive Testing.
SCOPE OF REPORT
The report addresses the global market for microscopes and microscope accessories over the period from 2008 through 2014, including:
- Optical (light) microscopes
- Electron microscopes
- Scanning probe microscopes
- Other types of microscope (e.g., focused ion beam, confocal)
- Microscope accessories.
The report includes the following major elements:
- Executive summary
- Definitions
- Brief history of microscopy
- Microscope technologies
- Patent analysis
- Major end-uses and applications
- Global market trends by type of instrument, end-user segment, geographical region
- Technology trends, limits and; challenges
- Industry structure (e.g., firm size and financial performance, ownership, market shares).
METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES
The findings and conclusions of this report are based on information gathered from industry sources, including microscope manufacturers and users. Interview data were combined with information gathered through an extensive review of secondary sources, such as trade publications, trade associations, company literature, and online databases to produce the projections contained in this report.
The base year for analysis and projection is 2008. With 2008 as a baseline, market projections were developed for 2009 to 2014. These projections are based on a combination of a consensus among the primary contacts combined with our understanding of the key market drivers and their impact from a historical and analytical perspective. The analytical methodologies used to generate the market estimates are described in detail in the section on Detailed Market Projections.
All dollar projections presented in this report are in 2008 constant dollars.
ANALYST CREDENTIALS
Andrew McWilliams, the author of this report, is a partner in the Boston-based international technology and marketing consulting firm, 43rd Parallel LLC. He is also the author of a number of other Business Communications Co. studies, including several studies of microscopy-related technologies, such as Nondestructive Testing, Nanosensors, Nanopatterning, Nanotechnology: A Realistic Market Assessment, Nanotechnology for Photonics, Nanotechnology in Life Science Applications and Materials Characterization Instruments.
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DISCLAIMER
The information developed in this report is intended to be as reliable as possible at the time of publication and of a professional nature. This information does not constitute managerial, legal, or accounting advice; nor should it serve as a corporate policy guide, laboratory manual, or an endorsement of any product, as much of the information is speculative in nature. The author assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage that might result from reliance on the reported information or its use.
Report Code: IAS017C, Published: July 2009, Analyst: Andrew McWilliams
