In 2008, the year passed quietly but was marked by numerous significant events. Among them, the global financial crisis had a profound impact on the laser industry. As we look back on the past year and consider what lies ahead, Optoelectronics News, one of the most dynamic media outlets in China’s laser sector, has been closely following these developments. Recently, we compiled and translated reports from respected sources such as *Laser Focus World* and Strategies Unlimited to provide valuable insights for domestic professionals in the laser industry.
One key trend is the growing market share in biomedical applications. The biotechnology boom has created a relatively optimistic outlook for the field. High-power lasers, with their wide wavelength range and decreasing prices, are becoming more widely used in medical instruments. These devices are commonly used for DNA sequencing, disease analysis, flow cytometry, and microscopy. A few years ago, such lasers were priced between $5,000 and $8,000, but now they can be found for around $3,000. PhilTech, president of MarketTech, noted that if these instruments are to enter the third-world market, prices are expected to drop further.
Despite a decline in revenue expectations for excimer lasers in 2009, laser technology continues to drive advancements in eye surgery, skin rejuvenation, and hair removal. Innovations like laser-induced fluorescence spectrometers, laser-based disease diagnostics, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) have seen rapid development. The OCT market is projected to reach $800 million by 2012. Carl Zeiss Meditec recently launched the second-generation Cirrus OCT system, which offers high-definition, high-resolution imaging. This new model is expected to outperform its predecessor in terms of performance and appeal. In the summer of 2008, the company reported a weakening in the diagnostic instrument and ophthalmic device markets, especially in the U.S., where revenues dropped by 30%.
The medical and diagnostic laser market includes all lasers used in ophthalmic procedures—such as refractive surgery and photocoagulation—as well as surgical, therapeutic, imaging, and cosmetic applications. These include treatments like wrinkle removal, hair removal, and vision correction, which are closely tied to consumer spending. Recent innovations include a large number of ultrafast lasers, many of which are now being used in portable hair removal devices. Source: *Laser Focus World*
In general, both diode and non-diode lasers play a significant role in biomedical applications, including ophthalmic diagnostics, therapy, and imaging. While the market saw a slight decline in 2008, consumer spending in this area is expected to fall by 10% in 2009, reaching $477 million. Laser beauty treatments played a critical role in the downturn, as evidenced by the Q3 earnings reports of companies like Palomar Medical, Cutera, and Candela, which all reported declines of 21% to 32%, with quarterly revenues ranging from $19 million to $38 million.
(Compiled by Zeng Cong)
Endocrine System,Torso Mannequin Model,Anatomical Liver Model,Human Torso Anatomy Model
Yinchuan Erxin Technology Co., LTD , https://www.exmedmodel.com