An atomic force microscope (AFM) is a type of scanning probe microscope with demonstrated resolution on the order of fractions of a nanometer, enough to show individual atoms. AFMs help characterize material properties on the nanoscale, reveal details of processes such as formation of deposits or corrosion and provide ways to measure small forces between surfaces. The need for high-resolution and high-precision surface imaging in various industrial applications has boosted the demand for atomic force microscopes globally.
The Global atomic force microscope market is estimated to be valued at US$ 602.4 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.8% over the forecast period from 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
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. The growing manufacturing sector along with increasing need for precision and quality control has booted AFM demand. Technological advancements have made AFM systems more affordable for routine applications in industry and academic settings.
Market Trends
Increasing applications in material scienceGlobal Atomic Force Microscope Market Demand are increasingly used for material characterization tasks like studying thin film structures, quantifying mechanical properties and surface chemistry analysis. They are valuable research tools in academia and industry R&D for semiconductor and materials development.
Growing adoption in industrial quality control: AFMs are used for failure analysis, defect detection and nanomanufacturing quality control tasks. Their high resolution makes them suitable for precision applications in sectors like electronics, energy and automotive for tasks like studying tribology, catalysts and printed circuits. This is a major growth driver for atomic force microscopes.
Market Opportunities
Life sciences and healthcare applications: AFM is valuable for cell biology, protein structure analysis and high-resolution imaging in pharmaceutical R&D. Growing healthcare expenditures and need for precision diagnostic tools will drive its demand.
Integration with other techniques: Combined techniques like AFM-Raman and AFM-FTIR are seeing increased adoption as they provide comprehensive chemical and physical analysis. This integrated approach is an opportunity to develop advanced product variants.
Impact of COVID-19 on Atomic Force Microscope Market
The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the growth of the atomic force microscope market in 2020. During the initial months of lockdowns and social distancing restrictions imposed by governments worldwide, production and supply chain activities were disrupted. This led to reduced availability of atomic force microscope systems and their components. Several planned developments related to research institutes, universities and industries which involve utilization of atomic force microscope were postponed or delayed.
However, with rising investments and focus on vaccine development and virus research, demand for atomic force microscope increased post-2020. Their high resolution imaging capability is leveraged for studying virus morphology, host cell interactions and effects of antiviral drugs. Market players responded with initiatives like remote access to atomic force microscope systems to enable continuity of research from home. New collaborations also emerged between industry and academia to accelerate COVID-19 associated projects utilizing atomic force microscope.
Looking ahead, the pandemic has highlighted the criticality of atomic force microscopes in medical and life sciences sectors. There is increased government funding for infectious disease preparedness which will drive further procurement of advanced microscopy tools. Market participants need to strengthen production and supply chains to meet rising demand from vaccine/therapeutic development programs. Partnerships for upskilling researchers in atomic force microscope techniques can boost post-pandemic productivity and innovation.
Geographical Regions with high Atomic Force Microscope market value
North America accounted for the largest share of the global atomic force microscope market in terms of value in 2024. This was attributed to substantial investments by research universities and pharmaceutical companies in the US and Canada for nanotechnology and material science applications of atomic force microscope. presence of leading market players and availability of skilled workforce have reinforced the region's dominance.
Europe was the second largest regional market driven by extensive funding from European Union towards advanced materials characterization, bioscience and healthcare technology development initiatives leveraging atomic force microscope capabilities. Countries such as Germany, UK and France have emerged as major domestic markets as well as export hubs.
Fastest growing region for Atomic Force Microscope market
Asia Pacific region is poised to register the fastest growth in the global atomic force microscope market during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. This can be accredited to expanding research infrastructure in India and China coupled with rising private sector investments in semiconductor, energy and life science sectors. Initiatives promoting local manufacturing of analytical instruments will provide impetus. Additionally, technology transfers between more established markets and developing Asia Pacific economies will accelerate the region's growth trajectory.
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