Focused Ion Beam Market

Market Overview

The global focused ion beam market size was valued at USD 0.98 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.8 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period (2024-2032). The precision and resolution of focused ion beam in performing nanoscale processes are crucial factors.

A focused ion beam is a highly effective method for nanofabrication and imaging that finds applications in diverse scientific and technical fields. The technique utilizes a highly concentrated stream of ions, usually gallium ions, to precisely eliminate material from a sample or add material to a surface with extraordinary accuracy. The main benefit of the focused ion beam is its capability to carry out precise and confined operations at a nanoscale level, which is crucial in fields like microelectronics, materials science, and biological research. Focused Ion Beam systems comprise an ion source, ion column, scanning system, and detectors. In addition to material removal and deposition, the focused ion beam is widely used for imaging and cross-sectioning samples for analysis. It has transformed the process of creating and studying small devices, enabling scientists to investigate complex structures and control materials at the nanoscale.

The growing need for downsizing and accurate manufacturing in semiconductor, electronics, and materials research drives the demand for focused ion beam systems. The progress in focused ion beam technology, including enhancements in ion sources, scanning systems, and detectors, improves the capabilities and efficiency of the systems, thus attracting a more extensive customer base. Moreover, the increasing use of focused ion beams in materials characterization, failure analysis, and biological research presents fresh prospects for market expansion.

Highlights

• Ga+ liquid metal generates the highest revenue share based on ion source.
• Failure analysis accounts for the largest market share by application.
• Electronics and semiconductors contribute significantly to the market through vertical type.

Market Dynamics

Global Focused Ion Beam Market Drivers:

Technological Advancements

Technological progress is the primary driver of the focused ion beam market, as there is a growing need for high-resolution microscopy and increased investment in research & development. The progress in focused ion beam technology has resulted in the creation of more effective and accurate devices. Gas-assisted concentrated ion beam systems have facilitated the production of consistent and superior nanostructures.

High-resolution microscopy is now widely used in various fields. Focused Ion Beam devices offer the capability to do high-resolution imaging and analysis at the nanoscale level in materials science and life sciences research. This has resulted in the creation of innovative solutions. In August 2022, Thermo Fisher introduced the "Thermo Scientific Arctis Cryo-Plasma Focused Ion Beam," an automated microscope specifically developed to accelerate the advancement of cryo-electron tomography research.

In addition, in February 2023, JEOL Ltd. Introduced the JIB-PS500i, a hybrid system that combines a focused ion beam and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The JIB-4700F Multi Beam System conducts three-dimensional morphological observations and elemental and crystallographic investigations on various specimens. Therefore, all these technological advancements drive the growth of the market. 

Global Focused Ion Beam Market Restraints:

High Cost and Complexity of Focused Ion Beam  Technology 

The Focused Ion Beam technique is widely employed in materials science, electronics, and semiconductor sectors for imaging, micro-fabrication, and analytical purposes. Nevertheless, the considerable expense and intricacy of the product could be more manageable. First and foremost, the amount of capital expenditure needed for FIB systems is significant. Advanced FIB equipment has a high price tag, often reaching several million dollars, which limits its accessibility to primarily prominent research institutes and enterprises. The significant initial expense results from the intricate technology utilized, which includes ion sources, vacuum systems, and high-precision stage control mechanisms.

Furthermore, the expenses related to operations contribute to the financial strain. FIB systems necessitate ongoing maintenance and frequent calibration and require consumables such as costly ion source materials. In addition, running an FIB system requires a regulated environment with no vibrations and consistent temperature conditions, which leads to higher operational costs. The intricacy of FIB technology also presents difficulties. Proficiency in operating FIB systems necessitates particular training and knowledge. The complex procedures involved in sample preparation, alignment, and ion beam management are time-consuming and necessitate trained individuals' expertise to guarantee precise and dependable outcomes. The requirement for operators with advanced training can hinder the general use of FIB technology, as not all institutions have the resources to spend on comprehensive training programs.

Therefore, applying focused ion beam technology provides exceptional skills in high-resolution imaging and microfabrication. However, its expensive cost and complex operation limit its accessibility and usage, which presents significant obstacles to its broader adoption in different disciplines.

Global Focused Ion Beam Market Opportunity:

To Study Biomaterials and Biological Samples

The increasing utilization of diverse, focused ion beam systems for analyzing biomaterials and biological samples, coupled with the rising preference for this technique over conventional methods due to its ease in obtaining information even at small scales, are significant factors projected to propel the growth of the global market in the foreseeable future.

Additionally, the focused Ion beam device has significantly transformed the methodology of studying biological samples. Obtaining detailed and accurate structural and chemical data at a high resolution is possible by using FIB-prepared TEM samples that maintain their interfacial contact and are not distorted in their cellular structure. Cell-surface interactions, crucial for comprehending and advancing biomaterials, are now observable within the cell. The dual beam FIBSEM devices enable the comprehension of structures and interfaces in three dimensions. Advancements, such as the incorporation of cryocapabilities, now allow for the investigation of biological matter in a nearly unaltered state, providing new insights into previously examined specimens.

Moreover, in recent times, focused ion beam systems have been widely utilized for testing mechanical qualities, studying intricate structures, and determining interactions that drive the expansion. Additionally, it is used extensively in producing micro-electrochemical systems and 3D tomography, which further enriches the bioscience and biomaterials industry, stimulating market growth.

Regional Analysis

North America  Dominates the Global Market

The global focused ion beam market analysis is conducted across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America is the most significant global focused ion beam market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% over the forecast period. The North American area has established itself as the dominant Focused Ion Beam (FIB) systems market, commanding the highest market share. The presence of numerous influential companies in North America's semiconductor, electronics, and materials science sectors is a significant contributing reason to the widespread usage of focused ion beam technology in this region. For example, Raith is a prominent precision technology manufacturer in various applications such as nanofabrication, electron beam lithography, FIB-SEM nanofabrication, laser lithography, nanoengineering, and reverse engineering.

Additionally, JEOL is a prominent scientific instrumentation business specializing in focused ion beam (FIB) technology. This technology is crucial for various applications in materials science, nanotechnology, and semiconductor research. JEOL's FIB systems are specifically engineered for the precise processes of milling, imaging, and preparing specimens. An exemplary system is the JIB-4000PLUS, which has a gallium ion optical column with exceptional performance. This system can mill, deposition, and prepare thin-film specimens specifically for TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy).

Furthermore, the region's emphasis on technological breakthroughs and innovation fuels the market for focused ion beam systems. The market's growth is bolstered by reputable research organizations, universities, and government initiatives supporting nanotechnology research and development. In addition, North America possesses a strong and well-developed infrastructure and a regulatory environment conducive to implementing and commercializing focused ion beam systems. North America's robust purchasing power and a strong focus on meticulous manufacturing drive the region's need for focused ion beam systems, establishing it as the leading market for focused ion beam technology.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 7.9% over the forecast period. This growth is primarily driven by the rapid expansion of the electronic and semiconductor sector in the region, as well as the increase in research and development expenditures by major market businesses. As robots become more widely used, there is a significant increase in the demand for electrical devices, such as integrated circuits (ICs). The latest World Robotics report documented 553,052 industrial robot installations in global factories, reflecting a year-on-year growth rate of 5% in 2022.

Additionally, Asia accounted for 73% of the newly deployed robots, while Europe and the Americas accounted for 15% and 10%, respectively. Therefore, industries in the region significantly emphasize producing large quantities of integrated circuits (ICs) and other devices. This, in turn, leads to a higher demand for focused ion beams for material and failure investigations. This is expected to accelerate the market's growth significantly during the predicted timeframe.

Europe holds a significant market share. The progress in nanotechnology and semiconductor production propels the European market for focused ion beams. These improvements necessitate accurate material characterization and micromachining. The market is growing due to the rising utilization of applications in materials science, biological sciences, and electronics sectors. Furthermore, the market expansion is supported by the region's robust research and development infrastructure, substantial investments in technological advancements, and prominent manufacturers of focused ion beam equipment. The increasing demand for high-resolution imaging and analysis in many industries, along with favorable government regulations and funding for research programs, is driving the growth of the FIB market in Europe.

Segmental Analysis

The global focused ion beam market is segmented based on ion source, application, and vertical type. 

Based on the ion source, the global focused ion beam market is segmented into Ga+ Liquid Metal, Gas Field, and Plasma. 

The Ga+ liquid metal segment dominated in 2023. Ga+ liquid metal ion sources have distinct advantages over gas fields and plasma sources. These sources have a longer operational lifetime, resulting in reduced downtime and lowering the need for frequent replacements. They demonstrate increased luminosity, leading to improved imaging clarity and superior precision in manipulating materials. The extensive utilization of Ga+ liquid metal sources in industries like microelectronics, where high-resolution imaging and precision production are vital, adds to its dominant market position in the focused ion beam market.

The gas field is the fastest growing due to increasing environmental concerns and a strong emphasis on sustainability. The gas field-focused ion beam utilizes nitrogen gas, which is both non-toxic and easily accessible. This eliminates any worries regarding hazardous waste associated with gallium-based focused ion beams and contributes to the increasing demand in the market.

The plasma segment is the second largest. The plasma ion source within the focused ion beam market improves material analysis and microfabrication accuracy, increasing demand in the semiconductor, materials science, and electronics sectors. The efficient handling of high-throughput applications contributes significantly to the market's growth.

The market is segmented based on application into Failure Analysis, Nanofabrication, Device Modification, Circuit Edit, and Counterfeit Detection.  

The failure analysis segment dominated in 2023, mainly because of the growing intricacy of semiconductor devices. As these devices decrease in size and increase in complexity, discovering and assessing flaws is becoming increasingly difficult. Focused ion beam systems are particularly well-suited for this task because they produce high-resolution images and perform precision milling, enabling extensive investigation of flaws. Focused Ion Beam systems are commonly employed for circuit edit applications, which involve engineers modifying semiconductor components post-fabrication. The process may entail severing electrical pathways, establishing new connections, or troubleshooting circuits to rectify design flaws or enhance gadget efficiency.

The nanofabrication segment is the fastest growing. Developing specialized nanofabrication tools, such as nano-machining nozzles and focused electron beam-induced deposition (FEBID) sources, can be credited for this. These instruments provide advanced features for accurately depositing and removing materials at the nanoscale. Focused Ion Beam systems enable highly accurate manipulation of materials at the nanoscale, rendering them invaluable for modifying and restoring semiconductor devices. Focused Ion Beam technology allows engineers to manipulate device architectures, eliminate undesired material, or incorporate additional functionalities into semiconductor devices.

Based on the vertical type, the global focused ion beam market is segmented into Electronics and Semiconductors, Industrial Science, Bioscience, and Material Science.

The electronics and semiconductor segment dominated in 2023 due to various factors, including the growing need for sophisticated manufacturing and analytical methods to meet the increasing demand for smaller, quicker, and more powerful electronic devices. The FIB technology has outstanding capabilities for precisely manipulating materials, imaging, and analyzing failures, making it essential in the electronics and semiconductor sectors. The electronics and semiconductor industry's strong influence, ongoing innovation, and need for sophisticated manufacturing technologies establish it as the primary sector in the FIB market.

The bioscience segment is the fastest growing. Focused Ion Beam technology is utilized in various applications, such as preparing samples for Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). This technology enables the creation of fragile sections of biological samples, which can subsequently be examined using high-resolution imaging methods. The growing need for customized medical treatments also stimulates the bioscience sector of the focused ion beam industry. Focused ion beam technology enables the production of personalized implants, prosthetics, and other medical items specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of each patient.

The material science segment is the second largest. Material science is essential for developing the Focused Ion Beam market since it enables progress in nanofabrication methods, enhances resolution, and improves the ability to analyze materials. Advancements in materials science propel the progress of new focused ion beam applications in diverse sectors such as semiconductor production, materials investigation, and biotechnology.

Recent Developments

• December 2023 – Thermo Fisher Scientific introduced a new plasma-FIB for conducting Volume Electron Microscopy and Cryo-Electron Tomography. The Thermo Scientific Hydra Bio Plasma-Focused Ion Beam (Plasma-FIB) is intended explicitly for cell biologists who want to simplify their processes when conducting volume electron microscopy on cryo or resin-embedded samples.
• April 2024 – Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. introduced its newly released cutting-edge products, conduct educational lectures, and demonstrate live laboratory experiments for customers in laboratory technology, analysis, biotechnology, and environmental quality at the 2024 Analytica Conference.