Infrared Detector Market Size and Share
Market Overview
| Study Period | 2020 - 2030 |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 0.7 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 0.98 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 7.08% CAGR |
| Fastest Growing Market | Middle East and Africa |
| Largest Market | Asia Pacific |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
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Infrared Detector Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The infrared detector market size is currently valued at USD 0.70 billion and is projected to reach USD 0.98 billion by 2030, advancing at a 7.08% CAGR. Miniaturized uncooled microbolometer arrays, LiDAR-grade near-infrared sensors for autonomous vehicles, and mandatory predictive-maintenance thermography in the European Union underpin near-term momentum. Wider deployment of infrared gas-leak detection systems in green-hydrogen plants, expanding semiconductor inspection demand in East Asia, and defense-driven appetite for higher-sensitivity cooled arrays further reinforce the growth trajectory. Supply-chain realignment away from restricted gallium and germanium sources is accelerating substitutions in detector materials while acquisition-led consolidation is shaping competitive strategies across value-chain tiers. The interplay of these dynamics positions the infrared detector market for sustained expansion and technology diversification.
Key Report Takeaways
- By detector type, thermal detectors held 65% of the infrared detector market share in 2024, whereas photo/quantum detectors are on track for an 8.5% CAGR through 2030.
- By cooling technology, the uncooled segment dominated with 78% revenue share in 2024; the cooled segment is expanding at 8.2% CAGR through 2030.
- By spectral range, long-wave infrared captured 47% share of the infrared detector market size in 2024, while short-wave infrared is projected to advance at 7.6% CAGR to 2030.
- By application, aerospace and defense led with 38% of the infrared detector market size in 2024; automotive applications are the fastest growing at 7.3% CAGR through 2030.
- By region, Asia-Pacific accounted for 42% of the infrared detector market share in 2024, whereas the Middle East is forecast to record the highest regional CAGR at 8.9% to 2030.
Global Infrared Detector Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
| Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miniaturisation of Uncooled Micro-bolometer Arrays Empowering IoT Motion Sensors in Asia | +1.2% | Asia-Pacific core, spill-over to North America | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Mandatory Predictive-Maintenance Thermography in EU Process Industries | +0.8% | Europe, with adoption in North America | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Surge in LiDAR-grade Near-IR Detectors for Autonomous & EV Platforms in China | +1.5% | China primary, expanding to global automotive markets | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| IR Gas-Leak Detection Mandates for Green-Hydrogen Plants across Middle East | +0.9% | Middle East core, expanding to global energy sector | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Semiconductor Fab Inspection Demand for SWIR Cameras in Taiwan & South Korea | +0.7% | Taiwan & South Korea, expanding to global semiconductor hubs | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Border-Surveillance Modernisation Programs in US & India | +0.6% | US & India primary, expanding to other defense markets | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Miniaturisation of Uncooled Micro-bolometer Arrays Empowering IoT Motion Sensors in Asia
Aalto University’s germanium-based photodiodes raised responsivity by 35% at 1.55 μm, enabling cost-effective CMOS-compatible fabrication that tackles thermal drift while sustaining sub-milliwatt power envelopes.[1]Aalto University, “Building better infrared sensors: Novel photodiode design boosts responsivity,” phys.orgMEMS convergence with lightweight signal-processing logic is pushing continuous thermal monitoring into smart-building endpoints, and Asian component makers are bundling wireless connectivity to monetise value-added services across consumer electronics portfolios.
Mandatory Predictive-Maintenance Thermography in EU Process Industries
The 2024 EU machinery regulation codifies risk-assessment protocols that make thermal imaging integral to compliance validation.[2]European Parliament and Council, “Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 on Machinery,” eur-lex.europa.eu Condition-based monitoring reduces downtime that can exceed USD 100,000 per hour in energy-intensive plants, and AI-enabled analytics now automate anomaly detection, easing skills constraints and strengthening investment cases.
Surge in LiDAR-grade Near-Infrared Detectors for Autonomous & EV Platforms in China
Chinese entities such as RoboSense and Hesai dominate global LiDAR patent filings. Marelli’s collaboration with Hesai embeds LiDAR into headlamps, shrinking system volume by 60% while preserving range. Economies of scale bring LiDAR costs within reach of mid-tier EV models, intensifying the competitive tempo in the infrared detector market.
IR Gas-Leak Detection Mandates for Green-Hydrogen Plants across Middle East
Portable Raman analyzers detecting hydrogen below 1 ppm raise safety baselines for gigawatt-scale hydrogen projects. Kuva Systems’ camera architecture applies machine learning to cut false positives, forming the backbone of regulatory frameworks that integrate automated shutdown protocols.
Restraints Impact Analysis
| Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Export-control (ITAR-like) Limits on High-spec Cooled Detectors | -0.9% | Global, with primary impact on US-based manufacturers | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Price Erosion in Passive PIR Components | -0.5% | Global, with emphasis on consumer electronics markets | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Thermal Drift & Calibration Issues in Offshore Oil-and-Gas Deployment | -0.3% | Offshore installations globally | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Counterfeit Detector Channels in Emerging Markets | -0.4% | Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and Africa | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Export-Control Limits on High-Spec Cooled Detectors
ITAR and Wassenaar regimes constrain 60% of camera exports that contain US-origin subsystems, forcing dual product lines that elevate fixed costs. European manufacturers are localising supply chains, yet geopolitical tensions around gallium and germanium amplify timeline risks.
Price Erosion in Passive PIR Components
Commodity PIR sensors priced below USD 5 have set customer reference points, squeezing margins for higher-performance segments. Quantum-dot SWIR projects targeting sub-USD 1 unit costs signal a further deflationary wave. Vendors are pivoting to AI-augmented feature sets to justify premium tiers.
Segment Analysis
By Detector Type: Quantum Detectors Outpace Incumbent Thermal Arrays
In 2024, thermal detectors captured 65% of the infrared detector market. Photo- or quantum-based devices are, however, expanding at an 8.5% CAGR as defense and scientific use cases favor higher sensitivity. The infrared detector market size for quantum detectors is forecast to widen as organic semiconductor photodetectors demonstrated specific detectivity of 5.55×10¹² Jones without pixel-level patterning, signaling lower fabrication overheads.
Thermal detectors still dominate consumer and building-automation applications due to uncooled operation and lower upfront costs. AI-enabled on-chip processing inside quantum arrays is now providing real-time threat classification for military inventories, a shift likely to recalibrate procurement strategies. KAIST’s room-temperature mid-infrared photodetector removes cryogenic barriers, positioning quantum architectures for handheld and battery-operated platforms.
By Cooling Technology: Uncooled Reigns, Cooled Gains Specific Niches
Uncooled arrays delivered 78% of 2024 revenue as designers prized low power and simple integration. Yet cooled architectures are advancing at 8.2% CAGR tied to defense programs that demand extreme range. Lynred’s ATI320 underscores the push to elevate uncooled sensitivity, blurring historical performance lines.
The military segment, nearly 60% of the total infrared detector market size, still specifies cooled formats for anti-ship and long-range targeting optics. Size, weight, and power optimisation is making Stirling-cooler packages suitable for drones and portable launchers. Hybrid payloads that combine cooled and uncooled modules are emerging, allowing unit commanders to balance cost and mission profiles.
By Material: Microbolometer Dominance Faces InGaAs Upswing
Microbolometer wafers held a 68% share in 2024, owing to mature CMOS workflows and cost leverage. InGaAs is tracking at 8.0% CAGR despite exposure to Chinese export controls that could raise gallium prices 150%. LightPath Technologies’ BDNL4 glass pursues germanium-free optics to mitigate supply volatility.
MCT remains entrenched in space-grade payloads, evidenced by Lynred’s 26 detector deliveries to the Meteosat Third Generation constellation. Superlattices and quantum-well innovations compete on detectivity while lowering cooling overheads, positioning them to disrupt niche scientific markets. Thermopile and pyroelectric stacks persist in price-sensitive consumer IoT nodes.
By Spectral Range: LWIR Leads, SWIR Accelerates
Long-wave infrared accounted for 47% of the 2024 shipment value, thanks to thermal imaging in defense and facilities monitoring. Short-wave infrared posted a 7.6% CAGR outlook as semiconductor fabs and telecom systems turn to SWIR’s unique penetration and eye-safe attributes. Quantum-dot cameras on 300 mm substrates are set to make sub-USD 800 SWIR modules feasible, which will broaden the infrared detector market. [3]IMVEurope, “Quantum dots to spark new SWIR wave,” imveurope.com
Mid-wave infrared retains advantages in gas spectroscopy, whereas near-infrared is central to vehicle LiDAR and robotics. Far-infrared finds limited yet critical demand in astrophysics, where long wavelengths probe cosmic dust formations beyond the reach of shorter bands.
By Application: Motion Sensing Dominates, Automotive Races Ahead
People and motion sensing yielded 28% revenue in 2024, underpinned by smart-building retrofits and surveillance mandates. Automotive ADAS and LiDAR deployments stand out with a 7.3% CAGR, as Tier 1s integrate sensors into headlamps to streamline styling and cost. Temperature measurement benefits from regulatory thermography, while process-monitoring systems merge infrared insights with machine learning for inline quality assurance.
Fire and gas detection is now compulsory in several hydrocarbon facilities, and environmental monitoring leverages drone-mounted thermal cameras for agricultural yield optimisation. The Internet of Things acts as a demand multiplier, embedding thermal vision in smart infrastructure and city-wide safety grids.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By End-Use Industry: Defense Anchors, Automotive Gains Momentum
Aerospace and defense represented 38% of 2024 turnover, driven by modernisation cycles and new satellite constellations. The infrared detector market share for automotive is climbing fastest, spurred by sensor fusion in autonomous driving stacks and the migration towards Level 3 functionality. Aeva’s designation as Tier 1 LiDAR supplier confirms the shift from prototype to mass production.
Industrial users adopt detectors for predictive maintenance and safety, while oil and gas operators require continuous leak surveillance. Healthcare capitalises on non-invasive diagnostics, and consumer electronics continues to assimilate low-cost thermopiles for energy management and intrusion detection.
Geography Analysis
Asia-Pacific commanded 42% of 2024 spending as Chinese EV makers scaled LiDAR rollouts and foundries in Taiwan and South Korea ramped SWIR inspection lines. Patent leadership by local LiDAR firms emphasises regional innovation depth, and proximity to end-use clusters shortens supply chains. Japan’s mature electronics sector supplies advanced packaging services, and India’s border-security investments boost high-sensitivity cooled demand.
North America leverages strong defense budgets and proprietary sensor IP, with Teledyne recording USD 1,502.3 million Q4 2024 sales that underline sustained procurement cycles. ITAR provisions shield domestic vendors yet complicate exports, prompting regional diversification strategies among international buyers. Canada and Mexico support the automotive and extractive verticals where thermal cameras enhance operational resilience.
Europe grows steadily under machinery-safety regulations and environmental directives that embed thermography into compliance audits. Lynred’s EUR 85 million (USD 91 million) facility expansion evidences capacity localisation aimed at de-risking supply lines. Nordic nations champion smart-building deployments, while the Middle East and Africa forecast 8.9% CAGR on the back of green-hydrogen megaprojects and security infrastructure upgrades that specify long-range imagers.
Competitive Landscape
Moderate consolidation defines the competitive arena. Teledyne’s USD 710 million purchase of Excelitas assets extends its optics and energetics reach, allowing vertical integration that improves bid competitiveness in defense tenders. Lynred deploys 15% of revenue to R&D and maintains more than 680 patents, signalling a technology-led differentiation stance.
Strategic alliances between detector makers and system integrators accelerate time-to-market and embed proprietary IP into turnkey platforms, insulating margins from commoditisation. Start-ups advancing quantum dots and organic semiconductors pursue niche entry points where legacy suppliers lack cost flexibility. Export controls segment the addressable universe; firms with indigenous supply chains gain privileged access to restricted end-markets while peers navigate multi-jurisdictional compliance hurdles.
Competitive vectors now emphasise software-defined imaging, AI-assisted analytics, and power-efficient architectures. Vendors that couple detector hardware with edge-processing modules secure pull-through recurring revenue streams via firmware subscriptions and algorithm upgrades. The resulting service orientation elevates switching costs and stabilises long-term revenue visibility.
Infrared Detector Industry Leaders
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Honeywell International Inc.
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Teledyne FLIR
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Lynred (ULIS + Sofradir)
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Hamamatsu Photonics
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Excelitas Technologies
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- January 2025: Aeva Technologies and Wideye by AGC revealed the first in-cabin 4D FMCW LiDAR integration using specialty windshield glass for high infrared transmission.
- January 2025: Teledyne Technologies finalised the USD 770 million acquisition of Excelitas aerospace and defense businesses, broadening advanced optics capabilities.
- October 2024: Lynred delivered 26 flight-qualified infrared detectors to the Meteosat Third Generation mission, its largest space contract to date.
- September 2024: Exosens reported 49.5% H1 2024 revenue growth to EUR 186.9 million (USD 199 million), propelled by Detection and Imaging segment momentum.
Global Infrared Detector Market Report Scope
Infrared detectors are used to sense the specific characteristics of its surroundings by either detecting or emitting infrared radiation. These electronic detectors can also sense motion and measure heat emitted by objects. With the advancements in technology, infrared sensors have become light in weight and have also become more affordable. Also, the power consumption in such sensors is too low.
| Thermal Detector |
| Photo (Quantum) Detector |
| Uncooled Infrared Detector |
| Cooled Infrared Detector |
| Microbolometer |
| InGaAs (Indium Gallium Arsenide) |
| MCT (Mercury Cadmium Telluride) |
| Pyroelectric |
| Thermopile |
| Near-Wave Infrared (NIR) |
| Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) |
| Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) |
| Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) |
| Far-Infrared (FIR) |
| People and Motion Sensing |
| Temperature Measurement / Thermography |
| Industrial Process Monitoring |
| Spectroscopy and Biomedical Imaging |
| Fire and Gas Detection |
| Automotive ADAS and LiDAR |
| Environmental and Agriculture Monitoring |
| Other Applications (Building and HVAC Automation, Smart Homes, Military and Defense, and others) |
| Aerospace and Defense |
| Industrial Manufacturing |
| Automotive |
| Oil, Gas and Energy |
| Healthcare and Life Sciences |
| Consumer Electronics |
| Smart Infrastructure |
| Others |
| North America | United States | |
| Canada | ||
| Mexico | ||
| South America | Brazil | |
| Argentina | ||
| Rest of South America | ||
| Europe | Germany | |
| France | ||
| United Kingdom | ||
| Italy | ||
| Nordics | ||
| Rest of Europe | ||
| Asia Pacific | China | |
| Japan | ||
| India | ||
| South Korea | ||
| Taiwan | ||
| Australia | ||
| New Zealand | ||
| Rest of Asia Pacific | ||
| Middle East and Africa | Middle East | Saudi Arabia |
| UAE | ||
| Turkey | ||
| Rest of Middle East | ||
| Africa | South Africa | |
| Egypt | ||
| Rest of Africa | ||
| By Detector Type | Thermal Detector | ||
| Photo (Quantum) Detector | |||
| By Cooling Technology | Uncooled Infrared Detector | ||
| Cooled Infrared Detector | |||
| By Material | Microbolometer | ||
| InGaAs (Indium Gallium Arsenide) | |||
| MCT (Mercury Cadmium Telluride) | |||
| Pyroelectric | |||
| Thermopile | |||
| By Spectral Range | Near-Wave Infrared (NIR) | ||
| Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) | |||
| Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) | |||
| Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) | |||
| Far-Infrared (FIR) | |||
| By Application | People and Motion Sensing | ||
| Temperature Measurement / Thermography | |||
| Industrial Process Monitoring | |||
| Spectroscopy and Biomedical Imaging | |||
| Fire and Gas Detection | |||
| Automotive ADAS and LiDAR | |||
| Environmental and Agriculture Monitoring | |||
| Other Applications (Building and HVAC Automation, Smart Homes, Military and Defense, and others) | |||
| By End-Use Industry | Aerospace and Defense | ||
| Industrial Manufacturing | |||
| Automotive | |||
| Oil, Gas and Energy | |||
| Healthcare and Life Sciences | |||
| Consumer Electronics | |||
| Smart Infrastructure | |||
| Others | |||
| By Geography | North America | United States | |
| Canada | |||
| Mexico | |||
| South America | Brazil | ||
| Argentina | |||
| Rest of South America | |||
| Europe | Germany | ||
| France | |||
| United Kingdom | |||
| Italy | |||
| Nordics | |||
| Rest of Europe | |||
| Asia Pacific | China | ||
| Japan | |||
| India | |||
| South Korea | |||
| Taiwan | |||
| Australia | |||
| New Zealand | |||
| Rest of Asia Pacific | |||
| Middle East and Africa | Middle East | Saudi Arabia | |
| UAE | |||
| Turkey | |||
| Rest of Middle East | |||
| Africa | South Africa | ||
| Egypt | |||
| Rest of Africa | |||
Key Questions Answered in the Report
What is the current Infrared Detector Market size?
The Infrared Detector Market is projected to register a CAGR of 9.4% during the forecast period (2025-2030)
Who are the key players in Infrared Detector Market?
Honeywell International Inc., Texas Instruments Inc., FLIR Systems Inc., Omron Corporation and Raytheon Company are the major companies operating in the Infrared Detector Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Infrared Detector Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Infrared Detector Market?
In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Infrared Detector Market.
What years does this Infrared Detector Market cover?
The report covers the Infrared Detector Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Infrared Detector Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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