Short Wave IR (SWIR) LED Market Size

Short Wave IR LED Market Size

Short Wave IR LED Market was valued at USD 708.48 million in 2023 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of over 9.5% between 2024 and 2032. SWIR LED technology plays a crucial role in sensor integration in the healthcare industry due to its ability to detect & capture images beyond the visible spectrum.

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SWIR LEDs are increasingly used in non-invasive diagnostic tools and imaging systems in the healthcare sector. Their ability to penetrate skin and tissue without causing harm makes them ideal for various medical applications including imaging of veins, monitoring of oxygen saturation, and detection of tumors or other abnormalities. This capability supports the trend toward less invasive and more patient-friendly diagnostic techniques.
 

In pharmaceutical and biomedical research, SWIR LEDs are used in sensors for analyzing chemical compositions, monitoring reactions, and imaging biological samples. Their ability to provide detailed information about materials at the molecular level supports the development of new drugs, therapies, and diagnostic tests, driving further growth in the SWIR LED market. For instance, in June 2023, Kyoto Semiconductor Co., Ltd. launched KPR Series, 14 products of SWIR reflective sensor to be used in various application including medical and healthcare. The "KPR series" consist of a LED chip and a photodiode chip. It is used for sensing component such as glucose, moisture content detection, and sensing of various resins & gases.
 

The rising demand for advanced imaging solutions across various sectors is a significant factor driving the growth of the short-wave infrared LED market growth. This growth is attributed to the unique capabilities of SWIR LEDs, which enable enhanced imaging quality and functionality in conditions where traditional visible light and even Near-Infrared (NIR) technologies fall short. For instance, in October 2022, SWIR Vision Systems Inc. increased the capability of its quantum dot-based Short Wavelength Infrared (SWIR) machine vision camera inspection product. Moreover, SWIR Vision introduced very high-resolution, 2.1Mp Acuros 1920 CQD eSWIR cameras for Li-Ion Battery Inspection. The cameras have been designed directly with this application in mind. The optical transparency increases at higher wavelengths, becoming substantially transmissive beyond the visible spectrum where SWIR Vision System's Acuros eSWIR cameras operate.
 

High production costs are a significant restraint affecting the growth of the short-wave infrared (SWIR) LED market. SWIR LEDs use specialized semiconductor materials, such as indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs), that are more costly than the materials used for visible or near-infrared LEDs. The procurement of high-purity, high-quality materials essential for SWIR LED performance contributes significantly to the overall production costs. The fabrication of SWIR LEDs involves sophisticated manufacturing processes that require precise control over the deposition of multiple material layers and the creation of complex device structures. These processes often necessitate advanced equipment and cleanroom facilities, further increasing production costs. Effective thermal management is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of SWIR LEDs, especially for high-power applications. Developing and integrating advanced cooling solutions to address heat dissipation adds complexity and cost to the design and manufacturing of SWIR LED systems.