GaN laser diode market set for explosive growth
The market for GaN laser diodes is to enjoy a compound annual growth rate of 195% through 2008, according to a study from the UK company Strategy Analytics.
Although the established markets for GaN lasers currently include printing, spectroscopy, biological agent detection and laser projectors, this is all set to change with the emergence of blue/violet-laser based DVD recorders, says the report.
Currently estimated to stand at just $9 million, the GaN laser market is expected to hit $272 million in 2008 as demand for high-definition TV (HD-TV) begins to kick in.
This will mean that blue/violet DVD applications will account for 97% of the total market by 2008. Currently, the market is very much more divided, with 43% of sales listed under “other applications” in the report.
Asif Anwar, an analyst at the UK company, said that these applications include microlithography, machine vision, metrology, projection displays, bio-detection and, intriguingly, underwater communication.
Standardization of the blue/violet DVD platform is essential, says Anwar.
”Despite the impressive growth, the existence of two competing standards for violet-DVD, namely Blu-ray and HD-DVD, will mean that the GaN laser diode market will still be at an early stage of development in 2008,” cautioned Anwar.
”The influence of movie studios and the IT industry will be crucial in deciding which format becomes the accepted standard, and when next-generation DVD begins to have mass appeal,” he added.
The proliferation of the technology will be heavily dependent on the development and commercial success of HD-TV content and displays.
GaN laser production is very much centered in Japan, said Anwar: “Nichia maintains the lion’s share, but it will now start to face competition from other Japanese companies. Cree is expected to announce a next-generation DVD laser diode later in 2004.”
More details about the Strategy Analytics report, “GaN laser diodes: markets and applications”, which includes a technology overview with a focus on substrate issues, are available at the company’s web site.
