The atomic force microscope (AFM) market has witnessed significant growth in recent years. AFM allows visualization, manipulation, and characterization of surfaces at the nano scale. It offers precise three-dimensional imaging of conducting and insulating surfaces with resolutions exceeding fractions of a nanometer. AFM has applications across various industries such as semiconductors, life sciences, and materials science. It is widely used for characterization of material morphology, measuring surface roughness, and interrogating soft matter structures. The growing demand from the semiconductor industry for quality control and defect analysis during manufacturing is a key factor driving the atomic force microscope market.
The global atomic force microscope market is estimated to be valued at USD 602.4 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.8% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players: Key players operating in the atomic force microscope market are Bruker, Semilab Inc., Oxford Instruments, Anton Paar, Attocube Systems AG, Novascan Technologies, Inc., Nanosurf AG, Nanonics Imaging Ltd, Nanomagnetics Instruments, NT-MDT Spectrum Instruments and Advanced Technologies Center.
Bruker is one of the leading providers of atomic force microscopes globally. Other prominent players include Semilab Inc., Oxford Instruments, and Anton Paar.
Key opportunities: Growing semiconductor industry in Asia Pacific offers significant growth opportunities for Atomic Force Microscope Market Size manufacturers. Increased R&D activities and funding for nanotechnology also present lucrative opportunities.
Global expansion: Leading AFM companies are expanding their geographic footprint by investing in emerging markets like India and Brazil. Strategic collaborations with research institutes are helping global expansion.
Market Drivers
Increasing adoption in semiconductor industry: AFM sees widespread acceptance in quality control and metrology applications during semiconductor manufacturing. Rising demand for smaller feature sizes is propelling the semiconductor segment.
Advancements in life sciences: AFM is finding increased usage in microbiology, biophysics, and nanomedicine research due to ability to analyze living biological specimens. This is fueling the life sciences segment.
Funding for nanotechnology: Rising investments and grants for nanotechnology R&D by governments worldwide are augmenting development and uptake of advanced AFMs.
PEST Analysis
Political: The investments in research and development by various governments across the world are supporting the growth of the atomic force microscope market. Some governments provide subsidies and grants for research institutes and universities to encourage research activities.
Economic: The global economy is recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which is positively impacting industries worldwide. Improvements in the macroeconomic factors like GDP, disposable income are supporting the growth of industries including atomic force microscope market.
Social: Increasing demand for nanotechnology applications from various end-use industries like healthcare, electronics are fueling the adoption of atomic force microscopes for research activities. This is driving the atomic force microscope market growth.
Technological: Advancements in atomic force microscopy techniques like high-speed AFM for studying dynamic phenomena at molecular levels and multi-frequency AFM for studying mechanical properties at high resolution are supporting market growth. Innovations are expanding application areas.
The atomic force microscope market in terms of value is concentrated majorly in North America and Europe. These regions have established research and development infrastructure along with presence of key players. The growing investments in nanotechnology research by governments and companies are driving the atomic force microscope market in these regions.
Asia Pacific region is emerging as the fastest growing region for atomic force microscope market. Factors such as increasing government investments, growing semiconductor industry and rapid economic growth are propelling the demand. Countries like China, Japan, South Korea and India are major contributors to the atomic force microscope market growth in Asia Pacific.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.