Summary of Laser Technology on the Market
Overview
Laser technology is used across the entire production chain — from tiny components to final finishing — and has been expanding steadily since the 1960s into science, defense, medicine and telecommunications.
Experts forecast record revenues for semiconductor lasers and photonics. Global laser sales totaled nearly $12.5 billion in 2017 and were expected to exceed $13 billion in 2018 (with diode lasers accounting for 43%). The industrial-laser segment alone was valued at $3.16 billion (Global and China Industrial Laser Industry Report, 2017–2021).
Everyday Uses of Lasers
Lasers underpin many daily activities and industrial processes.
- Telecom & media: data transmission via laser diodes and fiber optics (phone, TV, Internet).
- Retail & logistics: barcode labels and checkout scanners.
- Transportation: headlights, indicators, traffic lights.
- Manufacturing: laser cutting, welding and marking in vehicle production.
- Measurement & guidance: rangefinders and target indicators.
- Pointers & indicators for signaling and alignment.
Market Size & Growth Figures
The reports cited in the text highlight strong, category-specific growth.
| Segment | Year / Period | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total global laser sales | 2017 | $12.5 billion (approx.) | Diode lasers: 43% share |
| Total global laser sales | 2018 (forecast) | >$13 billion | “Laser Market Review & Forecast” |
| Industrial lasers market | Report 2017–2021 | $3.16 billion | Global and China Industrial Laser Industry Report |
| Dental lasers | 2016 | $183.5 million | Report commissioned by medgaget.com (2017) |
| Dental lasers | 2022 (forecast) | + $52.9 million vs. 2016 | Projected increase |
| Dental lasers | 2024 (forecast) | $278.4 million | Projected total market value |
Figures above are quoted from the original text provided for this page.
Diode Lasers — Segment Snapshot
Diode lasers, regardless of type, mode, wavelength or application, were projected to reach $11.94 billion in 2020 with an average growth rate of 13%. Near-infrared diodes hold the largest share, while blue diodes were expected to grow the fastest (16.7%).
Power and Material Processing
Most heads built around diode lasers are low-power devices and are not intended for very hard or highly demanding materials. Still, the optical beam and operating principles are akin to those of high-power industrial lasers used for cutting and welding — where the beam can melt or even vaporize material instantly.
Blue Diodes — Development & Uses
Since the 1990s, R&D on blue-emitting diode lasers has accelerated. In optical storage, blue wavelengths improve spatial resolution and disc capacity by producing a smaller light spot.
- Optical media: CD, DVD, Blu-ray, XDCAM.
- Fiber-optic communication systems.
- Measurement: military rangefinders and target indicators.
- Industrial & consumer pointers/indicators.
- General signaling and alignment applications.
- Embedded modules in compact laser heads.