REPORT SCOPE
INTRODUCTION
Photonic crystals present an almost unique instance of a theoretically mature technology unable to strike roots in mainstream industry. Indeed, the technology governing photonic crystals, although articulated clearly only decades ago, has been known to humanity for more than 100 years. The principal reason for lack of enthusiasm in embracing this technology is the difficulty involved in the dismantling processes and techniques that promise extreme efficiency on the costing and delivery fronts. However, most of these conventional processes are facing the end of life because they have reached their physical limits. Photonic crystal-driven sensing, which promises switching at speeds much higher than what is delivered by present-day technologies, is therefore poised to gain greater acceptance in various industries.
The extent to which photonic crystals hold promise can be gauged by the diversity in modules and components that can monetize the potential of photonic crystals in the near future. This report, which covers the market potential for such modules and components, does not claim that it is an exhaustive list. It is indeed possible for photonic crystals to be employed outside this list. The reason for selecting these modules and components is that there have been demonstrated instances of successful adoption of photonic crystals in these applications.
By charting the market potential for these modules and components, the report presents the full extent of the promise of photonic crystals in the next half decade.
STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
This study has the following goals and objectives:
- Measuring and forecasting the market size for overall components and modules internalizing photonic crystals in value terms for each individual component and module, and volume terms wherever possible
- Breaking down the overall photonic crystal components’ and modules’ market along individual components and modules: light emitting devices/diodes (LED), solar and photovoltaic (PV) cells, displays, biosensors, image sensors, optical fibers, discrete and integrated optical components as well as lasers and supercontinuum sources
- Breaking down the individual photonic crystal components’ and modules’ market along business verticals: automotive; energy, utilities and lighting; medicine; telecom; industrial and scientific; defense, surveillance, aerospace; computing and consumer electronics, white goods, and office space
- Breaking down the individual photonic crystal components’ and modules’ market along photonic crystal dimensions: three-dimensional and others
- Breaking down the individual photonic crystal components and modules market along geographical regions: Americas; Europe, Middle East, Africa –EMEA; and Asia-Pacific – APAC
- Analyzing the stakeholder landscape in the photonic crystal commercialization endeavors
- Analyzing the patenting activity involving photonic crystals.
REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY
The principal objective of this report is to chart the progress of a technology that is acquiring increasing surety and self-confidence across multiple domains. Photonic crystals have been the classic underachievers: full of promise, sound in theory but poor on implementation. The technology was a recipient of great disservice due to overriding industry allegiance to established processes and methodologies, to the point of testing their physical limits. This approach always had its limitations; the question confronting stakeholders of technologies such as photonic crystals was not if, but when would the industry warm up to this value proposition?
BCC Research forecasts that photonic crystals will witness an upswing in industry interest across several domains and applications. In terms of sheer versatility, photonic crystals can indeed rival electrons. In this context, it is interesting to note the approach adopted by different stakeholders towards photonic crystals. The report will provide a quantitative roadmap that will unravel this approach.
A dilemma that one faces with a technology like photonic crystals is to accurately chart its scope. The simplicity of its technical premise opens doors to a variety of integration possibilities. This report aims at sifting out the most relevant and timely integration approaches by identifying specific components and modules that are most likely to emerge as the largest adopters of photonic crystals in near future. By doing so, the reader is able to derive an accurate estimate of the market size of not just the overall picture but also specific components and modules in terms of business verticals, geography to regions and dimensions of photonic crystals employed.
SCOPE OF THE REPORT
The report forecasts the size of the market in current U.S. dollars for overall components and modules internalizing photonic crystals in value terms for each individual component and module and volume terms wherever possible from 2011 through 2016.
The report forecasts the market size for the following:
- Photonic crystal enabled components and modules such as LEDs, solar and PV cells, displays, biosensors, image sensors, optical fibers, discrete and integrated optical components as well as lasers and supercontinuum sources
- The above forecasts are classified on the basis of end application vertical, photonic crystal dimension and geographical region.
The Executive Summary provides a snapshot of key findings of the report.
The chapter on theoretical overview of photonic crystals provides an overview of the market size of components and modules internalizing photonic crystals over the next 5 years. Additionally the chapter lays down the theoretical ground for better appreciation of the technology and commercial promise of photonic crystals across applications and domains.
The chapter on photonic crystal components and modules provides a detailed analysis of the present-day state of the art in photonic crystal applications. The chapter deals with individual components and modules where photonic crystals are poised to make the most prominent mark. It discusses the market potential in terms of verticals, dimensions and geography to regions. It also uncovers the basic theory behind the running of these modules and then emphasizes the advantages ushered by photonic crystals over conventional methods and material.
The chapter on vendor and stakeholder analysis enlists and explains the major stakeholder classes engaged in photonic crystal commercialization. It also analyses the activities of key players in this domain.
The U.S. Patent Analysis chapter highlights the patenting activity underway in the area of photonic crystals. The chapter classifies the patents awarded according to functional categories such as design innovations; energy applications of photonic crystals; fabrication and synthesis methodologies; integrated circuits and quantum dots; laser applications of photonic crystals; lighting applications of photonic crystals; photonic crystal fiber applications; sensor applications of photonic crystals and telecommunications applications of photonic crystals.
INTENDED AUDIENCE
This report will be relevant to the following:
- Photonic crystal technology experts to identify the key components and modules that hold greatest promise for their technology adoption
- Experts and development of components and modules to assess the benefits of employment of photonic crystals in their offerings and the market potential for such adoptions
- End application device vendors that can benefit from the superior material attributes of photonic crystals and enhance the value of their products.
METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES
Both primary and secondary research methodologies were used in this study. Industry experts were interviewed; secondary sources included industry consortia, individual company financial statements, published opinions, and other published sources.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kaustubha Parkhi has worked in a broad range of functional roles with leading telecommunications operators and service providers such as Reliance Infocomm, Ramco Systems, and BPL Cellular. He has written on an array of telecommunications and electronics related subjects based on his critical analysis of the underlying technology and its business impact. Kaustubha holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Equivalent of Bachelor of Science) in Electronics and Telecommunications, and an MBA in Systems.
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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 authors assume no responsibility for any loss or damage that might result from reliance on the reported information or its use.
