In 2008, a year that quietly passed, witnessed numerous significant events, including the global financial crisis, which had a profound impact on various industries, including the laser sector. As we reflect on the past year and look ahead to what lies in store, Optoelectronics News, one of the most dynamic media outlets in the domestic laser industry, has been closely monitoring these developments. Recently, we have compiled and translated insights from renowned sources such as *Laser Focus World* and Strategies Unlimited, aiming to provide valuable information for professionals in the laser industry.
Market trends suggest that an increase in market share could benefit this sector. With the rise of biotechnology, the field appears relatively optimistic. High-power lasers, with their diverse applications, wide wavelength range, and competitive pricing, are increasingly being used in biomedical instruments. These devices are primarily employed in DNA sequencing, disease analysis, flow cytometry, and microscopy. For instance, lasers that once sold for $5,000–$8,000 are now available for around $3,000. PhilTech, president of MarketTech, noted that if these instruments were to enter the third-world market, prices would likely continue to decline.
Despite a drop in revenue expectations for excimer lasers in 2009, laser technology continues to drive advancements in areas such as eye surgery, skin rejuvenation, and hair removal. Innovations like laser-induced fluorescence spectrometers, laser-based disease diagnosis, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) have seen rapid development. The OCT market is expected to reach $800 million by 2012. Germany's Carl Zeiss Meditec recently launched the second-generation OCT system, the Cirrus HD, offering high-resolution imaging. It is anticipated that this new instrument will be more appealing than its predecessor. However, in the summer of 2008, the company observed a weakness in the diagnostic and ophthalmic device markets, particularly in the U.S., where revenues dropped by 30%.
*Medical and diagnostic laser market charts. This includes all lasers used in ophthalmic medical applications (such as refractive surgery and photocoagulation), surgical lasers, general treatment lasers, imaging lasers, and cosmetic applications. These include treatments like wrinkle removal, hair removal, and vision correction, which are closely tied to consumer spending. New innovations feature many ultrafast lasers, often found in portable hair removal devices. Source: LaserFocusWorld.*
Overall, both diode and non-diode lasers play a significant role in biomedical applications, ranging from ophthalmic diagnostics and treatments to skin and cosmetic procedures. While 2008 saw a slight decline, consumer spending in this area is forecasted to fall by 10% in 2009, reaching $477 million. Laser beauty treatments played a key role in the market downturn in 2009. According to Q3 earnings reports from laser beauty companies such as Palomar Medical, Cutera, and Candela, revenues fell between 21% and 32%, with quarterly sales ranging from $19 million to $38 million.
(Compiled by Zeng Cong)
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