Mid Wave Infrared MWIR Sensors Market Analysis

Global Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Market Overview

The Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors market industry is projected to grow from USD 2.20 Billion in 2022 to USD 18.70 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.40% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Middle Wave cameras are used to detect gas leaks, which are sometimes completely invisible to the naked eye. The wavelength range of 3.0 - 5.0 m is commonly used to describe MWIR. Because of the strong spectrum absorption of the environment in this range, the MWIR wave band is completely useless for thermal imaging. The electromagnetic spectrum is frequently divided in the thermal imaging sector based on the response of various IR detectors. Hot plumes can be detected via mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) detection.

Photodetectors, sensors, and imagers working in the MWIR range are gaining popularity due to their importance in a wide range of applications, including industrial processes, environmental monitoring, free-space communication, imaging systems, and light detection and ranging systems. Gas species concentration measurement is critical in many areas of modern life.

FIGURE 1 MID-WAVE INFRARED (MWIR) SENSORS MARKET 2018-2030

Source Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Covid-19 Analysis

As a result of COVID-19, the MWIR sensor industry has faced significant challenges. Sensor demand and consumption are influenced by pandemics' power to promote innovative behaviors and social formations. The number of sensors and sensor components has expanded throughout the industry. In recent years, MWIR sensors have experienced extensive application in the industrial market. For this reason, FLIR Systems has introduced a new mid-wave infrared (MWIR) thermal camera to its range. The camera, known as the FLIR RS8500 MWIR, combines a mid-wave infrared detector with a telescope. It is intended to aid in the collection of data on long-range and high-temperature targets in difficult situations. Also suitable for a variety of other applications. Teledyne FLIR, a division of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, has introduced the Neutrino LC CZ 15-300, the most recent Neutrino IS series type of mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) camera modules with integrated continuous zoom (CZ) lenses. The ITAR-free Neutrino IS series, designed for integrated systems requiring crisp, long range, SD, or HD MWIR imaging, delivers size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP+C) benefits to original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and system integrators for airborne, unmanned, C-UAS, security, ISR, and targeting applications. Slower demand growth has almost occurred due to decreased economic activity caused by COVID-19. Reduced sensor creation was caused by falling industrial production. Consumers and businesses are adopting new technology and discovering its benefits as the world confronts the same threat. Sensor technologies for the Internet of Things have been crucial. Sensors helped people survive the pandemic's harshest phase. This pandemic has impacted the public view of IoT.

Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Market Driver

• MWIR (Mid-Wave Infrared) Cooled Thermal Imaging Surveillance Longer Range Than LWIR (Long-Wave Infrared)

Medium-wave infrared thermal cameras, sometimes known as cooled thermal cameras, can identify small targets at great distances, making them ideal for long-range applications in inclement weather. The medium-wave infrared (MWIR) band of the electromagnetic spectrum catches infrared light in the 3 to 5 micrometre medium-wave infrared (LWIR) spectrum. Cooled thermal imaging cameras, also known as MWIR Mid-wave Infrared imaging, use an incorporated cryogenic cooler to chill the thermal image core to temperatures as low as -196°C (-321°F) to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of the thermal image. For most target ranges, MWIR systems are less impacted by humidity than LWIR systems, making them ideal for applications such as coastal surveillance, vessel traffic surveillance or harbour protection.

• Advancement In Technology Such As Turbulence Mitigation, And Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Based solely on the image data, software-based turbulence mitigation technologies strive to stabilise and sharpen recorded image sequences. Although successful restoration of static scenes has been accomplished in the past, a fundamental problem remains in accounting for moving items so that they remain evident as moving objects in the output. The goal of software-based turbulence mitigation systems is to reconstruct recorded image sequences using only the image data. The purpose of these algorithms is to provide clear and steady imaging of the observed scene, allowing for visual detection, recognition, and identification at greater distances.

In the current public health crisis, having the technical means to detect probable cases of infection is critical. Infrared temperature measurement devices powered by AI algorithms have been created, boosting the effectiveness of temperature controls. AI can identify and quantify temperature on a person's face and other regions that best reflect core body temperature all without physical contact. These temperature controls are quick and easy to use, making screening easier.

Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Market Opportunity

• High Performance MWIR for Deployment on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)

All objects with a temperature greater than absolute zero emit infrared radiation. Because the amount of radiation emitted by an item rises with its temperature, and so temperature variations can be detected by infrared sensors mounted on unmanned vehicles such as UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and utilised to create a picture. In order to record thermal and visual data during the same flight or journey, infrared (IR) cameras are mounted on the same autonomous vehicle payload. Typically, the cameras will be paired with a multi-axis gimbal to ensure optimal stability during image acquisition, decreasing the effect of vibrations, sudden impacts, and motions. Several drone manufacturers offer a whole thermal imaging system that includes a UAV, stabilising gimbal, and imaging payload. Unmanned infrared imaging systems can be used to search for and monitor humans for security, search and rescue, and law enforcement, as well as animals for wildlife conservation. IR imaging systems can also be used to detect gas leaks and insulation problems, as well as to monitor the flow of thermal energy in residences or industrial buildings. A UAV with an infrared imaging camera payload may also examine large banks of solar panels for flaws swiftly and efficiently.

As technology in this intriguing field evolves, drone pilots are discovering new opportunities to use thermal imaging sensors. Drones outfitted with thermal cameras are now commonly used to improve solar plant performance, monitor, and inspect livestock, identify thermal runaway switches on electrical supply lines, inspect mine infrastructure, maintain agricultural systems, and assist in search and rescue missions. As drone technology advances and new sectors discover applications for remotely operated drones, the use cases for drones outfitted with thermal cameras will only expand.

However, high cost associated with MWIR may hamper the growth of market in forecast period. Cooled thermal imaging cameras, also known as MWIR Mid-wave Infrared imaging, use an incorporated cryogenic cooler to chill the thermal image core to temperatures as low as -196°C (-321°F) to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of the thermal image. Uncooled cameras use a VoX infrared sensor and are frequently uncooled, operating on the LWIR long wave infrared wavelength. Cooled Thermal cameras have a broader range than uncooled cameras due to their higher sensitivity, which allows for larger, less efficient lenses than LWIR cameras. Based on DRI military requirements, the 801400mm cooled thermal cameras can detect vehicles up to 55km (34 miles) away, making them the ideal choice for long range night vision, but they are more expensive than ordinary uncooled LWIR cameras. There are MWIR Cooled and LWIR Uncooled infrared modules available in 640x512, 1024x720, 1280x1024, and 1920x1080 resolutions up to 5MP.

Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Market Segment Insights

Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Type Insights

The global Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensor’s market, in this report, has been segmented on the basis of Type into Cooled Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors and High Operating Temperature (HOT) Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors. During the projected period, the demand for High Operating Temperature (HOT) Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors is expected to grow rapidly.

Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Application Insights

The Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors market in this report has been segmented on the basis of Application into two types, namely Aerospace & Defense and Commercial. During the projected period, the commercial segment is expected to rise rapidly. The commercial segment further segmented into, Semiconductor Inspections, Industrial Inspections, Non-Destructive Testing, Gas Leak Detections and Others. Aerospace & Defense segment further segmented into Miniature Payloads, Surveillance Cameras, Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS), Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Missile Warning Systems (MWS), Missile Seekers and Others

FIGURE 2 MID-WAVE INFRARED (MWIR) SENSORS MARKET SIZE (USD MILLION) BY APPLICATION 2021 VS 2030Source Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Regional Insights

Geographically, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa and South America region.

North America is expected to have a significant share of the Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Market during the projected period.

North America includes US, Canada, and Mexico. In 2021, the North American MWIR sensors market accounted for the biggest revenue share. The region's market is experiencing revenue growth as a result of growing applications for surveillance and security, as well as for sensing motion, particularly in the commercial, residential, and defence sectors. The presence of several manufacturers in the area and rising high-value investments in R&D projects are both significantly boosting the North American market's revenue growth. Moreover, the adoption of infrared sensors for unmanned aerial vehicles and drones is likely to drive the market growth in the European region. The US is at the forefront of UAV development and controls the overall market. In recent years, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) has prioritised the clearance of UAVs (UAVs) for commercial uses. AeroVironment Inc., Boeing, and Uber Technologies Inc. are all based in the country and are significantly engaged in the UAV business. Thousands of civilian UAV operators work for contractors in the US, operating and servicing UAVs. A single 24-hour combat air patrol (CAP) requires up to four UAVs and 400 to 500 pilots and ground support personnel. Therefore, the UAV market in the US is expected to drive MWIR in the North America. Additionally, Canada UAV market drive the demand for MWIR market in North America. For instance, Canadian UAVs (UAVs) are owned and controlled by licensed aircraft pilots with appropriate Transport Canada licenses. In Canada, Transport Canada had invested in the Canadian Centre for Unmanned Vehicle Systems (CCUVS) to conduct research and provide training related to the usage of UAVs. CCUVS is engaged in developing test and evaluation capabilities, in line with the growing market demand, which is optimized for unmanned systems. Meanwhile, Transport Canada had approved for the usage of UAVs for agriculture data collection and a variety of law enforcement activities.

FIGURE 3 MID-WAVE INFRARED (MWIR) SENSORS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2021 (%)Source Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

The Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Market has witnessed significant growth over the forecast period due to an increase in demand for low-cost mid-IR sensors for consumer products and rapidly growing space exploration activities. Prior to now, low-cost optical sensing technology was primarily restricted to near-infrared (IR) and visible wavelengths; however, there is a growing demand for mid-IR wavelengths (2.5–25 m) equipped with low-cost optical sensing technology for applications such as thermal imaging spectroscopy, air quality monitoring, and consumer goods The use of mid-IR sensors in consumer products is one of these applications that is anticipated to offer profitable growth prospects to the main players. The composition of edible oils can be analyzed, and sugar and salt content in food can be monitored, among other uses for mid-IR sensors. Consumer goods around the world has experienced significant growth which is driving the demand for MWIR sensors market.

Furthermore, there are several domestic, regional, and global players operating in the Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Market who continuously strive to gain a significant share of the overall market. During the study, MRFR has analyzed some of the major players in the Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Market who have contributed to the market growth. These include SemiConductor Devices, Teledyne FLIR LLC, Lynred, Leonardo S.p.A., GSTIR, Silent Sentinel, Ascendent Technology Group, Excelitas Technologies Corp., Opto Engineering, New Infrared Technologies (NIT), L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Sierra-Olympia Tech., InfraTec GmbH, Xenics NV, and Tech Imaging Services.

December 2022 Photonis, a global pioneer in highly distinctive technology for the defence and industrial markets, announced the signing of a formal agreement to acquire Xenics. With the addition of Xenics to Photonis, the merged firm will be able to supply distinctive high-end imaging goods to their Business-to-Business customers by mastering component production, having a vast geographical reach, and having superior technological capabilities.

Key Companies in the Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors market include

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  SemiConductor Devices

  
  


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  Teledyne 

  
  


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  FLIR LLC

  
  


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  Lynred

  
  


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  Leonardo S.p.A.

  
  


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  GSTIR

  
  


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  Silent Sentinel

  
  


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  Ascendent Technology Group

  
  


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  Excelitas Technologies Corp.

  
  


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  Opto Engineering

  
  


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  New Infrared Technologies (NIT)

  
  


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  L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

  
  


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  Sierra-Olympia Tech.

  
  


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  InfraTec GmbH

  
  


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  Xenics NV

  
  


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  Tech Imaging Services.

  
  

Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Industry Developments

August 2022 Teledyne FLIR released Neutrino LC CZ 15-300, the latest Neutrino IS series model of mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) camera modules with integrated continuous zoom (CZ) lenses. Designed for integrated solutions requiring crisp, long range, SD or HD MWIR imaging, the ITAR-free Neutrino IS series offers size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP+C) benefits to original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and system integrators for airborne, unmanned, C-UAS, security, ISR, and targeting applications.

September 2021 Lynred launched Galatea MW, one of the compact and low power consumptioninfrared (IR) detectors on the market. Its SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) design enhances the autonomy and performance of battery powered devices. This enhances company’s product portfolio in MWIR segment.

July 2022 Silent Sentinel announced the addition of new full High-Definition (HD) cooled Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) thermal lenses to its product portfolio. Silent Sentinel has expanded its standard-definition product line to include HD-cooled MWIR thermal lenses with 1280 x 1024 resolution and 10m pixel pitch as standard, significantly improving the range performance of its camera platform offering.

Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Market Segmentation

Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Product Outlook

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  Gamepads/ Joysticks/ Controllers

  
  


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  Gaming Keyboards

  
  


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  Gaming Mouse

  
  


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  Headsets

  
  


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  Surfaces

  
  


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  Virtual Reality (VR) Devices

  
  


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  Cooling Fans

  
  


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  Web Camera

  
  


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  Others

  
  

Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Device Type Outlook

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  PC (Desktop and Laptop)

  
  


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  Smartphones

  
  


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  Gaming Consoles

  
  

Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Distribution Channel Outlook

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  Online

  
  


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  Offline

  
  

Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors End-user Outlook

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  Casual Gaming

  
  


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  Professional Gaming

  
  

Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Regional Outlook

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  Middle East & Africa

  
  


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  South America