Home Semiconductor & Electronics Adaptive Optics Components Market Size Report, 2031

Adaptive Optics Components Market

Adaptive Optics Components Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Wave Front Sensors, Wavefront Modulators, Control Systems, Others), By Applications (Consumer Goods, Astronomy, Military and Defense, Biomedical, Others) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2024-2032

Report Code: SRSE46DR
Study Period 2020-2032 CAGR 36.9%
Historical Period 2020-2022 Forecast Period 2024-2032
Base Year 2023 Base Year Market Size USD 2.23 billion
Forecast Year 2032 Forecast Year Market Size USD 37.66 billion
Largest Market North America Fastest Growing Market Europe
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Market Overview

The global adaptive optics components market was valued at USD 2.23 billion in 2023. It is expected to reach USD 37.66 billion in 2032, growing at a CAGR of 36.90% during the forecast period (2024-32). The increased need for adaptive optics in high-resolution microscopy is anticipated to propel the market expansion for adaptive optics components. Moreover, adaptive optics contributes to a better understanding of the microbes that impact human cell immune systems. It also aids in the development of novel antiviral chemotherapy treatments for the management of dangerous illnesses and the study of virus gene replication in infected cultures or tissues.

Smart optics is one of the developing fields that includes active and adaptive optics applications in astronomy. Most of the largest ground-based telescopes use wavefront sensors to analyze the distortion of signals by atmosphere and wavefront modulators such as deformable mirrors to compensate for these effects. These components are becoming a part of various James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) operations and NASA's Next Generation Space Telescope. This offers a potential opportunity in future missions for laser interferometer space antenna (LISA) technology and X-ray evolving universe spectroscopy (XEUS), both developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) for greater accuracy using optical wavelengths.

A wavefront sensor is one of the parts of adaptive optics (AO) that measures distortions in incoming light brought on by atmospheric turbulence. A deformable mirror receives this data and instantly modifies its shape to offset the distortions. A control system synchronizes mirror adjustments with the sensor's feedback to ensure exact correction. The system is also calibrated with the help of a reference source, which is typically a bright star or man-made beacon. AO systems also incorporate computer algorithms for quick processing of sensor data and mirror adjustments, allowing optical aberrations in telescopes and other imaging equipment to be corrected quickly.

Highlights

  • Wavefront sensors dominate the type segment
  • Military and defense dominate the application segment
  • North America is the highest shareholder in the global market

Market Dynamics

Global Market Drivers

Advancements in Astronomy and Space Exploration

Components of adaptive optics (AO) are continuously improved by developments in astronomy and space exploration. These components enable astronomers to lessen atmospheric distortions, resulting in more in-depth observations and clearer images of celestial bodies when used in conjunction with telescopes and other space-based equipment. Astronomical observations can now be made with greater clarity and resolution thanks to advancements in AO technology, such as sophisticated deformable mirror designs and sensitive wavefront sensors, which improve adjustments.

For instance, in December 2019, ESO and SENER Aerospace signed a contract for the design and manufacture of the support cell for the M5 mirror of the very large telescope. The ELT will have a total of five mirrors, with a primary mirror with a diameter of 39 meters. M4 and M5 are two components of the telescope's adaptive optics system. Such factors boost market growth.

Increasing Use in Free-Space Laser Communication

The market for adaptive optics components is anticipated to grow as adaptive optics is used more often in free-space laser communication. It provides high bandwidth speed over extended distances, enhances performance, and lowers the overall size and power requirements of the transceiver, making it weather-resistant. Adaptive optics has been shown by the Optical Society of America (OSA) to reduce the Bit Error Rate (BER) by two orders of magnitude.

Furthermore, free space optical systems have become increasingly popular as businesses continue to find solutions for the "last mile" issue because of their quick setup times. For example, the U.S. government hired FSO companies to investigate the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the World Trade Center (WTC) towers. In the wake of the WTC, a link was established for free-space optical communications across the Hudson River to a location in nearby New Jersey.

Global Market Restraints

High Cost and Complexity

The expensive and complicated components severely hamper the widespread adoption of adaptive optics. Accessibility is hampered by high manufacturing, installation, and maintenance costs, especially in fields with tight budgets like academic research. Specialized knowledge is needed for the complex calibration and alignment that are necessary for parts like wavefront sensors and deformable mirrors, which complicate operations. In order to overcome these obstacles and increase the viability and accessibility of adaptive optics technology across a range of industries, improvements in manufacturing procedures, cost-cutting measures, and user-friendly integration techniques are required.

Global Market Opportunities

Growing Applications in Medical Imaging

The increasing use of adaptive optics (AO) components in medical imaging is transforming medical diagnosis and therapy. AO improves resolution in applications such as microscopy and retinal imaging, allowing for the detailed visualization of tissue layers and cellular structures. This accuracy is especially helpful in detecting and monitoring illnesses like glaucoma and macular degeneration. Many businesses, including Iris AO Inc., provide adaptive optics (AO) systems—specially made for ophthalmology and retinal imaging—in response to the growing demand for AO. For example, Iris AO DMs are being used for retinal imaging by the Air Force and the National Institutes of Health.

Furthermore, AO makes real-time imaging possible during surgical procedures, which enhances precision and results. For instance, in May 2019, U.S. National Eye Institute researchers captured mosaic patterns produced by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in humans using adaptive optics (AO) and in vivo fluorescence ophthalmoscopy. Medical imaging continues to gain from improved resolution and contrast thanks to continuous developments in AO technology, which improves patient care and treatment plans.

Regional Analysis

North America Dominates the Global Market

Based on region, the global adaptive optics components market is segmented into North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America is the most significant global adaptive optics components market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially over the forecast period. The market for adaptive optic components in North America is distinguished by strong demand from various industries and notable technological innovation. The region is leading the way in the development and application of adaptive optics technology thanks to the strong presence of important players and research institutions. Applications encompass various sectors such as defense, telecommunications, astronomy, healthcare, and industrial sectors.

For instance, DARPA intends to develop wireless energy transfer infrastructure, so American military installations worldwide can receive almost continuous power. According to Popular Mechanics, the idea is to use laser technology to beam electricity throughout the earth. The technology known as POWER ("Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay"), which was reportedly Nikola Tesla's dream more than a century ago, would help the U.S. military become less dependent on liquid fuels like diesel and weak power lines that could be intercepted or compromised by hostile forces. Moreover, growing demand for laser processing solutions, high-resolution imaging systems, and rising R&D expenditures have established North America as a major hub for suppliers and manufacturers of adaptive optics components.

Furthermore, the regional market is expected to witness significant growth owing to an increased focus on the development of advanced optics systems and their adoption in the astronomical field for delivering sharper images during the forecast period 2019–2026. For instance, in October 2018, the W. M. Keck Observatory received observatory funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for building the next-generation AO system known as Keck All-Sky Precision Adaptive Optics (KAPA). This technology would primarily focus on delivering sharper images of the universe with nearly 100% clarity by upgrading three major components: a laser, a computer that calculates real-time correction, and a camera that measures atmospheric turbulence. Such factors propel regional market growth.

Europe is expected to expand substantially over the forecast period. This is attributed to technology playing a key role in the success of the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) project. For instance, in July 2018, the European Southern Observatory (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT) achieved massive success by capturing sharp test images of Neptune planet and other objects. The observatory introduced a new adaptive optics mode called laser tomography for capturing high-resolution images. Moreover, Europe is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge adaptive optics solutions, with a strong presence of top manufacturers and research centers. For instance, in November 2023, TNO and Airbus Netherlands B.V. joined the consortium of European companies led by SES, which is in charge of developing the quantum secure space-based EAGLE-1 system and closely collaborating with the European Space Agency (ESA) to design and construct an optical ground station for the mission.

Furthermore, the partners signed the contract today at Bremen's Space Tech Expo. The core components of the optical ground station for EAGLE-1 will include a stabilized telescope, fast adaptive optics, accurate mirrors, a robust fiber coupling, and an inventive laser beacon system. It will be a highly sophisticated and intricate system that can receive quantum encryption keys from the EAGLE-1 satellite. Moreover, the region gains from proactive research and development initiatives, generous government funding, and well-timed partnerships between business and academia. These elements establish Europe as a major player in the worldwide market for adaptive optic components.

Report Scope

Report Metric Details
Segmentations
By Type
  1. Wave Front Sensors
  2. Wavefront Modulators
  3. Control Systems
  4. Others
By Applications
  1. Consumer Goods
  2. Astronomy
  3. Military and Defense
  4. Biomedical
  5. Others
Company Profiles Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.) Iris AO, Inc. (U.S.) HOLOEYE Photonics AG (Germany) A.D.S. International S.r.l. (Italy) Canon Inc. (Japan) Active Optical Systems, LLC (U.S.) Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (Germany) Raytheon (U.S.) Imagine Optic (France) Thorlabs, Inc. (U.S.) Cilas SA (France) Baker Adaptive Optics (U.S.) Phasics Corp (France) Boston Micromachines Corporation (BMC) (U.S.) ALPAO (France) SCHOTT North America, Inc. (U.S.)  Synopsis, Inc (U.S.)
Geographies Covered
North America U.S. Canada
Europe U.K. Germany France Spain Italy Russia Nordic Benelux Rest of Europe
APAC China Korea Japan India Australia Singapore Taiwan South East Asia Rest of Asia-Pacific
Middle East and Africa UAE Turkey Saudi Arabia South Africa Egypt Nigeria Rest of MEA
LATAM Brazil Mexico Argentina Chile Colombia Rest of LATAM
Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Environment & Regulatory Landscape and Trends
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Segmental Analysis

The global adaptive optics components market is segmented into type and application.

Based on type, the global market is segmented into wave front sensors, wavefront modulators, control systems, and others.

The wave front sensors segment dominates the global market. Wavefront sensors dominate the market because of their numerous uses in metrology, ophthalmology, laser beam diagnostics, and microscopy. It is employed for real-time wavefront distortion detection. These sensors ensure precise focusing and imaging by providing feedback to deformable mirrors or other corrective elements by detecting deviations in the wavefront caused by atmospheric turbulence or optical imperfections. The performance and adaptability of adaptive optics systems are being improved by developments in wavefront sensor technology, which includes Shack-Hartmann, pyramid, and curvature sensors. These applications include astronomy, laser communication, medical imaging, and industrial laser processing.

Based on application, the global market is segmented into consumer goods, astronomy, military and defense, biomedical, and others.

The military and defense segment owns the highest market share. The military and defense industry is anticipated to be one of the major drivers of the adaptive optics market due to the fast global expansion of national military capabilities and the industry's use of adaptive optics to create cutting-edge defense weapons and highly sophisticated guidance systems. For example, the U.S. Air Force Boeing Airborne Laser, or ABL, is a modified 747 jumbo jet that uses adaptive optics to identify and destroy enemy ballistic missiles during the boost phase.

Market Size By Type

Recent Developments

  • September 2023 - LaiQa and TNO partnered to create a global quantum internet accessible from space. The computational power of quantum computers will open up new avenues for creativity. They are anticipated to resolve some of the most significant problems in material design, predictive analysis, and medication discovery in the ensuing decades.

Top Key Players

Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.) Iris AO, Inc. (U.S.) HOLOEYE Photonics AG (Germany) A.D.S. International S.r.l. (Italy) Canon Inc. (Japan) Active Optical Systems, LLC (U.S.) Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (Germany) Raytheon (U.S.) Imagine Optic (France) Thorlabs, Inc. (U.S.) Cilas SA (France) Baker Adaptive Optics (U.S.) Phasics Corp (France) Boston Micromachines Corporation (BMC) (U.S.) ALPAO (France) SCHOTT North America, Inc. (U.S.)  Synopsis, Inc (U.S.) Others

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the estimated growth rate (CAGR) of the global Adaptive Optics Components Market?
The global Adaptive Optics Components Market size is growing at a CAGR of 36.90% from 2023 to 2031.
Europe has the largest share of the market.
Advancements in astronomy and space exploration andincreasing use in free-space laser communication are the key driver for the growth of the market.
Growing applications in medical imaging is one of the upcoming trend in the market.
The key players in the global Market include Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.), Iris AO, Inc. (U.S.), HOLOEYE Photonics AG (Germany), A.D.S. International S.r.l. (Italy), Canon Inc. (Japan), Active Optical Systems, LLC (U.S.), Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (Germany).


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