Silicon Drift Detector Equipment Market

Market Overview

The global silicon drift detector equipment market size was valued at USD 5,699 in 2019 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% during the forecast period, 2020–2026.

Market Dynamics

Application of SDD Equipment in Radiation Detection & Advancements

The growing importance of radiation detection and advancements in technology drive the market globally. The burgeoning applications of silicon drift detector (SDD) equipment in almost all industrial sectors to detect harmful radiation and components from products in tandem with the latest advancements in SDD technology drive the global silicon drift detector equipment market. Benefits offered by digital detectors, the growing geriatric population, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and government funding are among the factors that drive market growth in the healthcare sector. Some of the recent developments, such as the Octane SDD series, deliver high-quality and high-speed energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).

Introduction of Advanced & High-Speed SDD Technology with Limited Data Loss at High Count Rates

The increasing demand for high-speed SDD technology with limited data loss at high count rates is successfully driving manufacturers to design and develop equipment that meets consumer demands. For this purpose, EDAX Inc. launched the Octane Silicon Drift Detector (SDD) Series for effective EDS Analysis. The rising adoption of the Element Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) system is improving the analytical capability of end-users by optimizing their performance and facilitating ease of use. Industrial end-users are anticipated to especially benefit from the new advanced SDD equipment series, as industrial components need to be monitored quickly and accurately.

Integration of New Software Developments in SDD Technology

Advancements in IT and new software developments are further accelerating the growth of the silicon drift detector equipment market, as the technology can integrate into various platforms. A recent combination of element silicon drift detector (SDD) with the user-friendly APEX™ software provides a precisely analyzed solution in industrial applications. In addition, the rising demand for semiconductor detectors for X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) in the fields of quality control and elemental identification is propelling market growth. The increasing application of SDD in precious metals and jewels, mineral extraction and mining, food and beverage industry, forensic investigations, and semiconductors, among others, is aiding the market growth and will continue to do so in the near future.

Segmental Analysis

XRF Spectrometers Segment by Device Occupies Three-Fifths of the Overall Value Share, Driven by Applications in Elemental Analysis & Fast Detection in Synchrotron Experiments

Based on the device, the market is segmented into XRF spectrometers and electron microscopes. The XRF spectrometers segment dominated the market with a 60–62% share as of 2019. XRF spectrometers are primarily used to determine the elemental composition of materials. The incorporation of SDD into XRF spectrometers provides benefits to the device. The SDD, cooled by a Peltier element, is able to reach a resolution of the order of 160 eV FWHM at 6 keV, a feature that makes SDD ideal for portable high-resolution XRF spectrometers.

XRF spectrometers can be classified into portable and fixed. A portable XRF spectrometer enabled with SDD combines high resolution with better operational comfort. SDD based spectrometers are used as fast detectors in synchrotron experiments. The development of ceramic low power X-ray tubes and silicon drift detectors, which do not require cooling media and gas consumption to operate, has bolstered the growth of fixed XRF spectrometers, which are available in cost-efficient compact designs, in recent years. Further, SDDs provide enhanced low energy sensitivity, enabling the analysis of some low Z elements, even in the air.

XRF spectrometers are extensively employed in elemental analysis. The chemical characteristics of compounds play a vital role in pharmaceutical synthesis, separation, purification, and structural identification, both for research and quality control purposes. The elemental composition of organic compounds is monitored periodically as the raw materials are required to undergo rigorous quality control assessment.

Elemental analysis using the XRF spectrometer is based on the element-specific electromagnetic radiation, which is induced as a consequence of inner-shell ionization. Moreover, XRF spectrometry is suitable for the direct analysis of solid samples, as well as fluid samples. The method also facilitates the rapid qualitative screening of unknown samples and helps in performing a fully automated qualitative analysis of large samples. XRF devices are widely exploited for elemental analysis, which will further increase the demand for SDDs.

Industrial Segment Dominates the Market by Application on Account of Widespread Use of SDD Equipment for Detection of Contaminants in Many Industries

The industrial segment dominated the market by application in 2019, with an estimated value share of USD 5,699 million. SDD equipment can be used for X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) in the fields of quality control and elemental identification in many industries to detect contaminating particles and harmful elements in building materials, such as concrete, metals, chemicals in the petrochemical, plastic, polymer, food, and cosmetics industries. A droplet of polluted liquid (water or wine) is dried on a sample holder and then activated by X-rays under a flat angle to detect impurities.

PNSensor GmbH manufactures SDD equipment with fast and the best energy resolution. Frequent industrial applications of SDD equipment include X-ray analysis spectrometers in the jewelry industry to determine gold content. SDD equipment is also employed in the metal and coal mining industry to coordinate the position and direction of mining machines by using XRF. A varied range of applications in the industrial sector is expected to boost the global demand for SDD equipment during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

The Middle East Holds Significant Growth Potential & Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 8.8%

The Middle East region holds significant potential for growth, with an estimated CAGR of 8.8%, during the forecast period, 2020–2026. The governments of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel are focusing on developing their non-oil sectors more rapidly, which is expected to offer money-spinning opportunities for regional OEMs. The rising adoption of consumer electronics, connected devices, and modern system-on-chip (SoC) devices fuels the growth of the Middle East silicon drift detector equipment market.

Improvements in architectural designs and SDD technology to detect radiations are spurring the demand for SDDs in the Industrial, automobile, consumer electronics, medical, and aerospace and defense sectors. Menatronix is an electronics and semiconductor information and consulting services company operating in the Middle East and North Africa. The presence of such companies is propagating awareness regarding new devices and technologies in untapped regions, as lack of information is the biggest hindrance impeding the growth of new markets.

North America Dominates the Global Market, with the Presence of Global Key Players

The North America market was valued at USD 1,852 million in 2019. The early adoption of technology and advancements in the electronics sector drive the demand for SDD equipment in X-ray spectroscopy across the U.S. The growing geriatric population in the U.S. and Canada and increasing prevalence of heart diseases have prompted the need for SDD equipment in North America. Various industry verticals rely on SDDs for position and energy measurements.

The presence of a large number of manufacturers is one of the most significant factors contributing to North America’s dominance in the market. One of the first detectors, XR-123SDD, was made by Amptek, an electrical and electronics manufacturing company based out of Massachusetts. The SDD is equipped with a silicon crystal with a double-stage Peltier element. North America is home to some of the best electronic and semiconductor designers and developers in the world. Additionally, Government and official bodies are known for their high investments in R&D. Most of the manufacturers in the region use the field-effect transistor (FET) mounted on the chip, which is critical in enhancing energy resolution.

Silicon Drift Detector Equipment Market Segmentation

By Device

• XRF Spectrometers
• Electron Microscope

By Application

• Medical
• Security
• Industrial
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• The Middle East
• Africa