Collimating Lens Market

Market Overview

The global collimating lens market size was valued at USD 272.4 million in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 468.0 million by 2031, registering a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period (2023-2031). The advantages of aspheric lenses over traditional spherical lenses in optical systems are the major forces fueling the collimating lens market growth.

A collimating lens is an optical device designed to render light rays parallel or nearly parallel. This lens is employed in diverse optical systems and devices where parallel light is crucial for optimal performance. Collimation is the procedure of aligning light rays to be parallel, and collimating lenses is essential for accomplishing this task.

The collimating lens market share is expected to increase exponentially over the forecast period due to factors such as the technological advantages of collimating lens applications in various fields and the benefits of using aspheric lenses over traditional lenses. Furthermore, the growing importance of fiber optics collimating lenses will provide significant market growth opportunities during the forecast period.

Highlights

• The laser generates the most revenue in the market by the light source.
• Molded Glass accounts for the largest share of the market by material.
• Less Than 1000 Nm significantly contributes to the market by wavelength.
• Light and Display Measurement influenced the market by end-use.
• Asia-Pacific dominates the global market.

Market Dynamics

Global Market Drivers

Increasing Demand in Laser Systems

The collimating lens market trend is closely related to the expanding applications of lasers across various industries. Collimating lenses are critical in ensuring that laser beams are well-controlled, parallel, and divergent. The use of lasers in industrial applications like laser cutting and welding has been a significant driver of collimating lens demand. For optimal performance, high-power lasers require precise beam control. Collimating lenses, for example, are used in manufacturing laser cutting systems to shape and align the laser beam, ensuring it accurately cuts through materials. Combined with their efficiency and dependability, fiber lasers have become popular in industrial applications. Collimating lenses are essential for fiber laser systems, helping to produce precise and controlled laser beams. For example, the Chinese government's adoption of a "Made in China" industrial strategy to upgrade its manufacturing sector and become the world factory by 2025 is a key factor driving demand for fiber lasers in the country.

Further, with the growth of 5G networks and the increasing demand for high-speed data transmission, collimating lenses that use lasers to transmit data through optical fibers are becoming increasingly important in optical communication systems. According to the Ericsson Mobility Report for November 2023, 610 million new 5G subscriptions are expected in 2023, a 63% increase from 2022. This would bring the global total to 1.6 billion, approximately 100 million more than previously estimated. 

Global Market Restraints

High Manufacturing Cost

Precision manufacturing processes, specialized materials, and stringent quality control measures are required to produce high-quality collimating lenses. These factors contribute to higher manufacturing costs, significantly impeding the collimating lens market. Precision optics costs include raw materials, labor, equipment maintenance, and quality assurance measures. Precision molding or diamond turning, two common collimating lens manufacturing techniques, necessitate sophisticated machinery and skilled technicians. Diamond-turning machines can cost anywhere from USD 6,000 to USD 150,000 per piece. For example, using ultra-precision machines in single-point diamond turning allows for creating complex lens geometries with nanometer-level accuracy. The purchase, operation, and maintenance of such machinery contribute to high manufacturing costs. Collimating lenses can thus range in price from USD 287 to USD 305,000. For example, a high-purity fused silica fiber laser focusing collimating lens costs USD 150.85.

As a result, the high manufacturing costs may result in higher market prices for collimating lenses. This can be challenging, particularly in industries or applications where cost sensitivity is a significant factor in purchasing decisions. Manufacturers may need to help maintain competitiveness, especially if alternative technologies or lower-cost solutions are available for specific applications. This can affect market share and growth opportunities.

Global Market Opportunity

Growing Demand for LiDAR Systems

LiDAR systems use lasers to measure distances with high precision, and collimating lenses are essential components of these systems. Collimating lenses shape the laser beam emitted by the LiDAR source, ensuring a parallel trajectory, which is critical for accurate and reliable distance measurements. The rising demand for LiDAR technology in various industries presents an excellent opportunity for collimating lens manufacturers. LiDAR sensors are an essential component of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles in the automotive industry. Collimating lenses help ensure that the outgoing laser beams are parallel and well-focused. This accuracy is required to measure the time it takes for the laser beams to return, allowing the LiDAR system to create detailed 3D maps of the vehicle's surroundings. Gartner, Inc. predicts that vehicles equipped with hardware for autonomous driving will reach 745,705 units in 2023, up from 137,129 units in 2018. Furthermore, according to McKinsey, autonomous driving could generate between USD 300 billion and USD 400 billion in revenue by 2035. This will drive future demand for Collimating Lenses.

In addition, LiDAR is widely used in mapping, surveying, and automotive applications. This includes urban planning, forestry management, and environmental monitoring applications. Collimating lenses help improve LiDAR measurements' accuracy in these various applications. Several studies have been published that demonstrate the use of LiDAR technology for mapping tree diversity in the Choco-Columbia tropical forest region. The study, published in April 2021, outlines a method for mapping various metrics using discrete light detection and ranging (LiDAR), among other technologies, demonstrating the possibility of integrating vegetation inventories and remote sensing data for building accurate maps of tree diversity in tropical forest regions. The study also stated that LiDAR data helped determine forest structural metrics associated with optical and SAR image data.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

The global collimating lens market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Asia-Pacific is the most significant global collimating lens market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% over the forecast period. The growing demand for consumer electronics products and the availability of low-cost raw materials for electronic manufacturers are critical to the market's growth. Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, and India are also significant contributors to the regional market growth of collimating lenses, owing to multiple market participants, significant investments in cutting-edge lighting solutions, and possible government initiatives to adopt light-emitting diodes. Apple, a Shanghai-based company and global leader in LED lighting, launched a new line of products in India's domestic electronics market in January 2020 to strengthen its regional presence. The new product line includes two significant launches: the EcoMax COB Spotlight and the Smart Bulb.

Additionally, collimating lenses are increasingly being used in China's telecommunications and consumer electronics industries. The demand for collimating lenses in the telecommunications industry in China has increased due to the demand for 5G technology. In 5G base stations, collimating lenses improve network performance and range. Using collimating lenses in consumer electronics such as smartphones, cameras, and virtual reality headsets has also aided the Chinese market's expansion. Increased investments in the development of 5G technology and favorable government policies support growth in the Chinese market.

North America is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 6.3% over the forecast period. Rising demand for LED lighting systems in various industrial applications drives growth in the region. Streetlights, parking garage lighting, walkway and other outdoor area lighting, refrigerated case lighting, modular lighting, and task lighting are just a few of the industrial applications for LED lighting systems.

Furthermore, as the demand for accurate and precise imaging grows, so does the demand for collimating lenses in medical equipment such as endoscopes and microscopes. Collimating lenses are used in military applications such as holographic sights and night vision devices. This has increased the demand for collimating lenses in the US market. Technological advancements and increasing investments in research and development are also driving growth in the US market.

Europe is a significant market for optical technologies such as collimating lenses, according to collimating lens market insights. The region's demand for collimating lenses is influenced by various industries, including automotive, healthcare, aerospace, and research. Technological advancements, increased laser applications, and the growth of industries reliant on optical systems all contribute to the demand for collimating lenses.

Segmental Analysis

The global collimating lens market is segmented based on the light source, material, wavelength, end-users, and region.

The market is further segmented by light source into LED, Laser, Xenon Lamp, Infrared Light, and RGB.

Laser generates the most revenue in the market.

Laser

Laser was the fastest-growing segment, accounting for 50% of the market in 2022. Laser light sources produce coherent and focused light beams. Collimating lenses for laser applications is critical for precisely shaping and aligning laser beams. Laser collimation, used in LiDAR, communication systems, and medical devices, ensures accurate and controlled light propagation.

LED

LEDs are semiconductors that emit light when a current passes through them. LEDs are frequently used as light sources in collimating lenses due to their energy efficiency, durability, and versatility. They are used in automotive lighting, display technologies, and general illumination. Collimating lenses for LED sources provide efficient light control and distribution, catering to various industries.

By material, the market is fragmented into Molded Glass and Molded Plastic.

Molded Glass accounts for the largest share of the market.

Molded Glass

The molded glass segment led the overall Collimating Lens market in 2022, and it is expected to maintain its lead with a 55% share during the forecast period. Collimating lenses made of molded glass require precise shaping of the glass material to achieve the desired lens geometry. Glass collimating lenses are preferred for applications requiring high optical clarity, durability, and resistance to environmental factors. Molded glass lenses are known for their optical purity, allowing for high light transmission with little distortion. They are used in high-performance optical systems such as lasers, imaging devices, and scientific instruments. To achieve the desired optical specifications, the manufacturing process includes precision molding, grinding, and polishing, making molded glass collimating lenses suitable for applications requiring superior optical quality.

Molded Plastic

Collimating lenses made of molded Plastic involves shaping optical-grade plastics like acrylic or polycarbonate to create the desired lens structure. Plastic collimating lenses are popular due to their lightweight nature, low cost, and ease of molding into complex shapes. These lenses are commonly used in applications prioritizing weight reduction and cost efficiency, such as consumer electronics, automotive lighting, and specific imaging systems. Plastic collimating lenses can be mass-produced using molding, contributing to their widespread use in various industries. While plastic lenses have some optical limitations when compared to glass lenses, advances in materials and manufacturing techniques are constantly improving their performance.

The market is sub-segmented based on wavelength into Less than 1000 Nm, 1001-1500 Nm, 1501-2000 Nm, and 2001 Nm and above.

Less Than 1000 Nm is a significant contributor to the market.

Less Than-1000 Nm

In 2022, the market for less than 1000 Nm had a 50% market share. Collimating lenses with wavelengths less than 1000 nm cover the visible and near-infrared spectrums. These lenses are used in various fields, including imaging, microscopy, and laser systems operating in the visual and shorter-wavelength infrared ranges. Precision in shaping and controlling light in this wavelength range is critical for applications such as fluorescence microscopy, machine vision, and laser-based sensors.

1001-1500 Nm

Collimating lenses with wavelengths ranging from 1001 to 1500 nm are designed for applications in the near-infrared spectrum. This includes telecommunications, remote sensing, and medical imaging applications. Optimized lenses for this range ensure efficient light transmission and collimation, and supporting technologies such as fiber optics for data transmission and non-invasive medical diagnostic tools.

End-users can further bifurcate the market into automobile, medical, Lidar, light and display measurement, spectroscopy, and interference.

Light and Display Measurement influenced the market.

Light and Display Measurement

The light and display measurement segments dominate the market. Collimating lenses are used in light and display measurement applications to evaluate the performance of lighting systems, displays, and optical instruments. These lenses provide uniform and controlled light distribution, essential for precise measurements in photography, film production, and quality control in display manufacturing.

Automobile

Collimating lenses are essential in automotive lighting systems, head-up displays (HUDs), LiDAR sensors, and imaging devices. Collimating lenses, for example, shape and control the light beam in automotive headlights for optimal visibility, while HUDs help project information onto the windshield. Collimating lenses are also used by LiDAR systems in autonomous vehicles to ensure accurate distance measurements and 3D mapping.

Recent Developments

• November 2023- TRIOPTICS' ATS alignment turning stations can now cut threads and grooves centered on the optical axis during mounted lens edge processing.