Infrared Detector Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Thermal and Photodetectors), By Application (Motion Sensing, Temperature Measurement, Security and Surveillance, Fire Detection, Medical, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The infrared detector market size was valued at USD 516.2 million in 2022. The market is projected to grow from USD 542.0 million in 2023 to USD 867.9 million by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 7% during the forecast period.

An infrared detector is a device that senses and measures infrared radiation, a type of electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than visible light. These detectors are crucial for various applications, including thermal imaging, night vision, and industrial processes. The market growth is driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand across diverse industries. Infrared (IR) detectors play a pivotal role in applications ranging from military and defense to consumer electronics and healthcare. Ongoing developments in sensor technologies and materials have led to enhanced sensitivity and efficiency of these detectors. The rising demand for advanced surveillance systems, coupled with concerns about security, has significantly contributed to the adoption of IR detectors.

Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Excelitas Technologies, Texas Instruments Incorporated, and Lynred are among the major players in the market. The market is poised for consistent growth during the forecast period, fueled by technological advancements and increasing integration across diverse industries.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Initial Disruptions in Operation Caused by Pandemic Stunted Market Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic had a multifaceted impact on the IR detector market. In the initial stages, the market faced disruptions in its supply chains, manufacturing processes, and logistics, leading to delays and shortages. Many companies struggled to maintain regular operations due to lockdowns, restrictions, and workforce challenges.

However, as the pandemic reached its peak, there was a notable shift in demand dynamics within the market. The heightened emphasis on public health and safety measures and the need for non-contact temperature screening, led to a surge in the demand for thermal imaging solutions. While the pandemic presented challenges, it also created opportunities for the IR detector market to diversify and innovate.

Infrared Detector Market Trends

Emphasis on Miniaturization of Detectors to Foster Market Growth

A notable trend shaping the IR detector market is the increasing emphasis on miniaturization and integration. This strategic shift involves making IR detectors more compact, lightweight, and adaptable for seamless integration into a diverse array of devices and systems.

Miniaturization of these detectors is propelled by advancements in manufacturing processes, materials, and sensor technologies. These innovations are collectively contributing to the creation of smaller yet more efficient IR detectors, enabling enhanced portability and versatility. In the automotive sector, there is a growing demand for smaller IR detectors for applications, such as night vision systems, driver monitoring, and collision avoidance. The integration of small detectors enhances safety features and contributes to an improved driving experience. With the expansion of smart technologies, such as Internet of Things (IoT), miniaturized IR detectors are finding increased use in IoT devices.

The current emphasis on miniaturization and integration in the market underscores a broader industry movement toward developing more efficient, adaptable, and user-friendly solutions.

Infrared Detector Market Growth Factors

Increasing Demand for Robust Security and Surveillance Solutions to Boost Market Growth

The rising demand for enhanced security measures across diverse sectors is a pivotal driving factor for the IR detector market. IR detectors play a crucial role in meeting the requirements of security and surveillance applications.

One of the primary reasons for a notable surge in the demand for IR detectors is their ability to operate effectively in low-light conditions and even complete darkness. In security and surveillance scenarios, where continuous monitoring is essential, these detectors enable night vision capabilities, ensuring uninterrupted surveillance regardless of ambient lighting. In addition, they are also utilized for fire detection and prevention. Thus, the rising demand for strong security and surveillance solutions is driving the infrared detector market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Cost of Infrared Detectors Can Limit Their Adoption

The cost associated with manufacturing, deploying, and integrating infrared detectors is a substantial constraint in the market.

Infrared detectors rely on complex technologies and often require specialized materials to achieve the desired sensitivity and performance. The manufacturing processes involve precision and attention to detail, contributing to increased production costs compared to simpler sensor technologies. Advancements in infrared detector technologies demand significant investments in research and development. Companies need to continuously innovate to stay competitive, and these R&D costs are often reflected in the final product prices. This can pose a challenge for market players aiming to provide cost-effective solutions.

Infrared Detector Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type Analysis

Thermal Infrared Detectors Gains Significant Momentum Due to Wide Application

Based on type, the market is segmented into thermal and photodetectors.

The thermal infrared detector segment holds the highest part in the infrared detector market share due to their widespread adoption across various industries. Their capability to detect and measure thermal radiation, regardless of ambient light conditions, makes them indispensable in applications, such as security, surveillance, and industrial processes.

The photodetectors segment has recorded the highest CAGR signifying their potential for rapid growth. The segment’s growth is majorly propelled by advancements in photo detection technologies, particularly in the realm of semiconductor materials and manufacturing processes. Photodetectors are gaining prominence in emerging applications, such as gesture recognition, eye tracking systems, and smart consumer devices.

By Application Analysis

Security and Surveillance Applications Increase Product Use Due to Rising Demand for Strong Security Solutions

Based on application, the market is segmented into motion sensing, temperature measurement, security & surveillance, fire detection, medical, and others.

The security & surveillance segment emerges as the dominant segment, boasting both the highest market share and fastest CAGR in the market. The increasing need for robust security, coupled with advancements in surveillance technologies, will propel the demand for infrared detectors.

The motion sensing segment also holds a signigicant market share and showcases a steady CAGR as it has major applications in areas, such as home automation, gaming, and industrial automation.

The temperature measurement segment exhibits a stable market share owing to its crucial role in industrial processes, healthcare, and consumer electronics. With a moderate CAGR, the segment reflects consistent demand, driven by advancements in contactless temperature measurement technologies.

The fire detection segment has captured a notable market share and recorded a steady CAGR as these applications can leverage the sensitivity of IR detectors to identify heat signatures, providing early warnings in case of potential fire hazards.

The medical application segment accounts for a moderate market share and has recorded high CAGR as IR detectors are widely used in thermal imaging cameras, non-contact temperature measurement devices, and diagnostic equipment.

The others segment encompasses various niche applications, including gas sensing, automotive safety systems, and industrial automation beyond motion sensing. While contributing to the overall market share, the segment's CAGR reflects the diverse nature of applications of IR detectors with moderate rate of growth influenced by specific industry trends and technological advancements within each niche.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market has been analyzed across five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and South America.

North America dominates this market. The region's dominance in the market is attributed to the widespread adoption of IR technology across various industries, including security, defense, healthcare, and automotive. Robust research and development activities, coupled with a mature industrial infrastructure, are also contributing to the regional market's growth. Key players in the region are continuously innovating, thereby driving advancements in IR detectors. Government initiatives, particularly in defense and surveillance, will further fuel the product demand. The North American market is characterized by a strong emphasis on technological innovation and a well-established customer base.

The U.S. IR detector market is set to witness a robust growth due to the extensive application of these detectors across various sectors. Owing to a technologically advanced landscape, the country dominates the market share due to significant investment in defense, security, and industrial applications. A mature industrial infrastructure and high level of research and development contribute to market’s dominance.

The European market for IR detectors is robust as it benefits from a diverse range of applications of these detectors in industrial, healthcare, and security sectors. The region boasts a strong manufacturing base and a keen focus on technological advancements. European countries are investing significantly in the development of cutting-edge IR technologies, fostering a strong competitive market landscape. Strict regulatory frameworks and a growing awareness of the importance of security and surveillance will contribute to the steady growth of the IR detector market in Europe.

Asia Pacific will exhibit the highest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in the global market over the forecast period. The region has experienced an increased demand for IR detectors due to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and a surge in security concerns. Countries, such as China, Japan, and India are at the forefront of the market’s growth, driven by expanding manufacturing capabilities, rising defense budgets, and a burgeoning consumer electronics market. The adoption of IR detectors in applications, such as smart homes and automotive systems will contribute to the market’s dynamic growth in Asia Pacific.

The Middle East & Africa is witnessing steady growth in the market due to increasing investments in security infrastructure, rising applications in oil & gas sector, and military modernization. Governments in the Middle East are prioritizing surveillance and protection of critical infrastructure, leading to a rise in the demand for IR detectors. The region's unique environmental challenges, such as high temperatures, make IR technology particularly relevant.

South America demonstrates a growing interest in IR detector applications. The regional market’s growth is driven by developments in the industrial and commercial sectors. While the region’s market share is relatively modest at present, there is potential for expansion. Countries, such as Brazil and Argentina are emerging as key contributors, with increasing investments in surveillance, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects.

List of Key Companies in Infrared Detector Market

Key Players to Drive Market Growth With Their Comprehensive Portfolio

Prominent players in the global market are demonstrating a commitment to innovation and strategic collaboration, shaping the industry landscape. Major players, such as Lynred, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., and Excelitas Technologies are leading the market with their diversified product portfolios spanning from thermal to photodetector technologies.

List of Key Companies Profiled:

• Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. (Japan)


• Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Japan)


• Excelitas Technologies (U.S.)


• Texas Instruments Incorporated (U.S.)


• Teledyne Technologies (U.S.)


• InfraTec GmbH (Germany)


• Nippon Ceramic (Japan)


• Lynred (France)


• Wuhan Guide Infrared Co., Ltd. (China)


• Raytheon Technologies (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• January 2023: Lynred, a French infrared sensor manufacturer, launched a project called HEROIC by partnering with Xenics and AIM Infrarot-Module. The project, which has been received funding support worth USD 19.3 million from the European Defense Fund, focuses on developing high-performance infrared devices to bolster Europe’s technological sovereignty in defense systems.


• January 2023: STMicroelectronics launched the STHS34PF80, an IR sensor with thermal transistor, which will be used for presence and motion detection in building automation.


• December 2022: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. collaborated with Lockheed Martin and Tactical Air Support to perform a flight demonstration showcasing multi-platform infrared sensing. General Atomics reported that the test flight utilized GA-ASI's MQ-20 Avenger aircraft system and two F-5 Advanced Tigers equipped with Lockheed's next-generation tactical infrared and track sensors.


• November 2022: Excelitas Technologies Corp. unveiled the TPIS 1T1386 L5.5H Thermopile Sensor, designed for medical use. This product boasts high-temperature accuracy, configurable "Threshold" functions, and minimal power consumption. It is tailored for applications, such as remote skin-temperature measurement and temperature control of liquids and gases in medical settings.


• October 2020: Lynred, a manufacturer of advanced infrared technologies, collaborated with ADE Technology, a company that offers solutions in developing visual technology, to develop new systems for emerging sectors, such as medical care.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects, such as leading companies, product/service types, and top applications of the product. Besides, it offers insights into the latest market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the factors listed above, the report encompasses several other factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation