Market Size (2018)
2018
$226.20M
Vertical: SEMIBase Year: 202110 Sections
Market Size (2018)
2018
$226.20M
Projected (2030)
2030
$548.80M
CAGR (2018–2030)
7.7%
7.7%Key Players
114+
As per MRFR, the global Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors market has been growing significantly over the past few years. It is expected to reach USD 548.8 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 11.1 % during the forecast period, 2022–2030.
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.
Manufacturers in the global market expansion are primarily concerned with extending their portfolio of Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors in order to retain market competitiveness. To accomplish this, many companies have dedicated a significant amount of their sales to research and development. Furthermore, the companies are focusing on the creation of sensors that are interoperable and incredibly efficient for application in a number of industries, including aerospace & defense, oil & gas, manufacturing, and others. The major players in Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors market have adopted several organic and inorganic growth strategies, such as new product launches, partnerships and collaborations, and mergers and acquisitions, to increase their offerings in the Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors market. For example, 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. FLIR Systems Inc. merged its resources with Teledyne Technologies. It will now operate as Teledyne FLIR, as a new division of Teledyne Technologies. Also, company like Teledyne FLIR launched the Neutrino SX12 ISR1200 high-performance, medium-wave IR (MWIR) camera with integrated continuous-zoom (CZ) optics. This will enhance company’s portfolio in MWIR segment. These companies have witnessed a significant increase in their year-on-year revenue. Apart from big players number of small and regional players have also set a strong footing in their home market.
In terms of regions, the Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World. The market in North America is the largest in 2021 and the market of Asia-Pacific is expected to grow with the highest CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period 2022 to 2030. The scope of the report has been limited to Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors types and application.
The global Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors market has been segmented based on type, application, and region. By type, the global market is categorized into Cooled Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors and High Operating Temperature (HOT) Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors. The Cooled Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors segment accounted for the largest market share in 2021, with a market value of USD 143.1 million; it is expected to register a CAGR of 9.9% during the forecast period. While High Operating Temperature (HOT) Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors segment valued at USD 85.1 million. In terms of High Operating Temperature (HOT) Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors the market is categorized as XBn (InAsSb), nBn, SLS (Strained-Layer Superlattice), and Lead Selenice (PbSe). Where XBn (InAsSb) accounted for the largest market share valued at USD 29.1 million, whereas SLS (Strained-Layer Superlattice) accounted for the highest CAGR accounted for 14.5%.
In terms of application industry, the global market is categorized into Aerospace & Defense and Commercial. The Aerospace & Defense segment accounted for the largest market share in 2021, with a market value of USD 138.8 million; it is expected to register a CAGR of 10.8% during the forecast period. Whereas commercial segment accounted for the highest CAGR growth of 11.5%. Aerospace & Defense Applications is further divided into Miniature Payloads, Surveillance Cameras, Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS), Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Missile Warning Systems (MWS), Missile Seekers, and Others. In which Surveillance Cameras accounted for the largest market share valued at USD 39.6 Million. Commercial application is further segmented into Semiconductor Inspections, Industrial Inspections, Non-Destructive Testing, Gas Leak Detections, and Others. In which Gas Leak Detections accounted for the largest market share of USD 51.5 Million.
The Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Market market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.7% from 2018 to 2030.
Historical performance and future projections (2020–2030, USD Billion)
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View Subscription PlansMiddle 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.
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View Subscription PlansThis report applies a rigorous multi-stage research process combining primary interviews, secondary data sources, and bottom-up market modelling to ensure accuracy and completeness across all segments and geographies.
Base Year
2021
Historical Period
2018 – 2021
Forecast Period
2021 – 2030
Primary Interviews
150+
Historical data (2018–2021) and forecast period (2021–2030)
Our research process spans primary interviews with industry stakeholders combined with comprehensive secondary data analysis, validated through triangulation across multiple independent sources.
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View Subscription PlansThreat of New Entrants
The development of MWIR systems incurs a high cost, making it difficult for emerging semiconductor companies to invest in MWIR technology. Moreover, the design complexity of MWIR remains very high, leading to issues such as lack of skilled workers and expertise, limiting the number of players entering the market. These factors make the barriers to enter the mid-wave infrared sensor markets very high. Thus, the threat of new entrants in the global mid-wave infrared sensor market is expected to be low during the forecast period.
Bargaining Power of Suppliers
In the mid-wave infrared sensor market, the number of raw material suppliers is limited. The limited number of sensor manufacturers present in the market leads to a considerably low bargaining power in the hands of the suppliers. On the other hand, low capital requirements and favorable government norms increase their bargaining power. Thus, the bargaining power of suppliers in the global mid-wave infrared sensor market is expected to be moderate during the forecast period.
Threat of Substitutes
There are very few players in the market engaged in the designing and manufacturing of MWIR products. In the mid-wave infrared sensor market, the substitutes for these kinds of sensors are limited, leading to a lower buyer propensity towards its substitutes. Due to the limited number of suppliers creating sensors for specific applications, such as defence operations and industrial automation, the threat of substitutes in the global mid-wave infrared sensor market is expected to be low during the forecast period.
Bargaining Power of Buyers
The MWIR products are used in various end-use verticals such as aerospace & defence, commercial, and others. Owing to the vast application area, the buyers’ concentration is high. However, as the number of manufacturers in the market with a renowned brand image is fairly moderate, the power to set prices remains in the hands of the manufacturers. Thus, the bargaining power of buyers in the global mid-wave infrared sensor market is expected to be low during the forecast period.
Intensity of Rivalry
The existing players in the mid-wave infrared sensor market compete based on the reliability, efficiency, power consumption, and operational capabilities of MWIR products. The major companies in the market are well-established players with a wide portfolio of products and high technical expertise. Thus, it becomes challenging for new players to compete with existing key players. Hence, the intensity of rivalry in the global mid-wave infrared sensor market is expected to remain considerably low during the forecast period.
Market estimates by geography (2030)
InsightNorth America leads with $220.50M by 2030, while Asia Pacific is projected to grow fastest at a 8.9% CAGR.
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View Subscription Plans| REGION | 2018 | 2021 | 2030 | CAGR | SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America | $93.50M | $103.20M | $220.50M | 7.4% | 40% |
| Europe | $50.80M | $52.80M | $114.70M | 7.0% | 21% |
| Asia Pacific | $62.30M | $72.80M | $173.10M | 8.9% | 32% |
| Rest of the World | $19.50M | $20.00M | $40.50M | 6.3% | 7% |
| Total | $226.10M | $248.80M | $548.80M | 7.7% | 100% |
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View Subscription PlansTotal Market Size
$548.90M
| APPLICATION | REVENUE ($B) | GROWTH RATE | MARKET PENETRATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $324.80M | 7.7% | 47% |
| Commercial | $224.10M | 7.7% | 67% |
* Revenue projections based on 2025 estimates. Growth rates represent CAGR 2024–2030. Market penetration indicates current adoption rate within addressable market segments.
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Analytical insights on Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Market covering market dynamics, competitive landscape, and strategic outlook.
The Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Market market is projected to reach $548.80M by 2030, growing at 7.7% CAGR. The Aerospace & Defense segment holds the largest share.
The MWIR sensor industry is experiencing rapid revenue growth because of increased aerospace and industrial applications. Furthermore, MWIR (mid-wave infrared) cooled thermal imaging surveillance longer range than LWIR (long-wave infrared), advancement in technology such as turbulence mitigation, and artificial intelligence (AI), and growing demand for high-efficiency MWIR sensors for gas monitoring applications drives market expansion. However, high costs associated with MWIR cooled thermal cameras than uncooled LWIR cameras is expected to hinder the growth of the global MWIR sensor market. Nevertheless, high-performance MWIR for deployment on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), optical filters benefits for MWIR, and cryocooled infrared systems is expected to present lucrative growth opportunities for the players in the global Mid-wave Infrared sensor market.
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.
In most climates, MWIR has better air transmission than LWIR for very long-range target detection at 10km or more. As a result, MWIR is frequently chosen for very long-range surveillance applications. The thermal contrast (target flux normalized to background flux), which creates the thermal image, is typically higher in the MWIR band; this is one of the reasons why MWIR is frequently the preferred choice when consumers can afford it. Furthermore, MWIR is a superior alternative for detecting aero planes or missiles because hot exhaust plumes are substantially more visible in MWIR than in LWIR.
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.
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.
Thermal imaging technology is safe and quiet, but, like other technologies, it also has drawbacks. The high cost of these cameras is restricting their popularity. These devices are affected by the weather, and because they are temperature-based, the visual contrast is minimal. The cost of an infrared thermal camera remains the main barrier to general adoption, but with the emergence of non-cooled infrared plane arrays, it can now give great resolution and efficiency at reasonable costs. Potential costs of thermal cameras can be dramatically decreased by the advancement of innovations, breakthroughs in core improvements, and better production performance.
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Profiles of 114 companies operating in the Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Market market, including revenue, employee count, and market positioning where available.
Showing 114 of 114 companies
Tech Imaging Services
Company Headquarters: US Founded: 1988 Workforce: ~25 Company Working: Tech Imaging Services combines its extensive images experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver cutting-edge high-speed cameras, hyperspectral cameras, and infrared camera products for a wide range of problem-solving engineering tools. Tech Imaging Services has been the US distributor of high-tech imagery instrumentation for many years, representing numerous camera manufacturers such as Eastman Kodak, Redlake, NAC, AOS Technologies, Photron, Shimadzu, and InfraTec. Tech Imaging Services rents out a variety of High-Definition high-speed camera equipment as well as skilled high-speed camera operators. The company's rental inventory of High-Definition high-speed camera devices ranges from battery-operated handheld 2,000 fps cameras to extreme high-frame rate performance systems capable of 20,000 fps. Under the Infrared camera segment, the company offer MWIR Infrared Cameras. The company's high-speed cameras, hyperspectral cameras, and infrared cameras are effective problem-solving tools in a variety of industries, including Research & Development, Military & Governmental, Aerospace, Bio-mechanics, Automotive, Wind Tunnel, Medical, Fluid Dynamics, Production & Assembly Lines, Manufacturing & Packaging, Drop Testing, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), Digital Image Correlation (DIC), Agriculture, Forensic Sciences, Environmental Monitoring, and Food Quality.
Xenics NV
Company Headquarters: Belgium Founded: 2000 Workforce: ~65 Company Working: Xenics NV is active in the market for advanced IR imaging products and solutions. The company began as a commercial spin-off of the IMEC (Inter-university Microelectronics Centre), which is one of Europe’s leading independent research centres engaged in the exploration and development of advanced microelectronics and nanotechnologies. It is engaged in providing infrared (IR) detectors, imagers, cores, cameras, and accessories such as frame grabbers, filters, cases, cables, and supplies. Its IR detectors cover a wavelength area from 1 micrometre to 14 micrometres. The product portfolio mainly segmented into short-wave infrared (SWIR), mid-wave infrared (MWIR), and long-wave infrared (LWIR). The short-wave infrared (SWIR) part of the infrared spectrum offers unique capabilities for various applications in machine vision, R&D, medical, security, process control and transportation. SWIR imagers typically use reflected light, i.e., similar with the shorter wavelengths of the visible spectrum, and are often complementary to MWIR and LWIR imagers. Most of Xenics SWIR lines can and area detectors are developed in-house and based on a material called InGaAs (Indium Gallium Arsenide). The company has distributors all around the world.
Infratec GMBH
Company Headquarters: Germany Founded: 1991 Workforce: ~200 Company Working: Infratec GMBH (InfraTech) is a specialist in infrared technology products and services. InfraTec has its own production and development capabilities. Custom-made components, particularly pyroelectrical infrared detectors, are manufactured on more than 1.000 m2 of clean room space for clients worldwide in the sensor system sector. The infrared measurement technology business sector is involved in all areas of thermographic applications, ranging from the selling of thermographic cameras to the supply of turn-key thermographic automation solutions and thermal imaging systems. It also offers MWIR camera. InfraTec is one of Europe's major suppliers of thermography and non-military thermal imaging equipment, with over 30 sales partners worldwide. InfraTec has been offering thermal imaging technology to demanding customers in institutions, enterprises, and organisations tasked with safety and security for about 25 years.
Sierra-Olympia Tech
Company Headquarters: US Founded: 1995 Workforce: ~32 Company Working: Sierra-Olympia Tech (Sierra) is a thermal imaging technology company that designs, manufactures, and sells cameras, components, and system solutions to infrared (IR) camera customers and integrators. Cooled, uncooled, and OEM infrared cameras, accessories, digital acquisition, and image processing systems are among the products available. The company operates through three major segments namely LWIR, MWIR, and SWIR. The company offers full engineering services and support, as well as the ability to adapt systems to match the needs of individual clients. The company provides extremely high-value, low-cost thermal imagers for R&D, OEM, commercial, and security applications, which are easily purchased directly from our website. Sierra-Olympic provides vast experience and cutting-edge engineering, products, and sales support to commercial, government, military/defense, surveillance, R&D, OEM, and end-user applications. From the first commercially available indium antimonide (InSb) focal plane arrays (FPAs) through today's FPA-based imaging systems, Sierra-Olympic serves customers all over the world with infrared imaging expertise and modern IR imagers.
New Infrared Technologies
Company Headquarters: Spain Founded: 2010 Workforce: ~25 Company Working: New Infrared Technologies (NIT) develops and commercializes industrial cameras and solutions for real-time monitoring and smart control of laser-based industrial processes. These solutions are based on infrared cameras that were independently created, built with a special technology, sensitive in the medium wavelength infrared (MWIR, 1–5 microns), capable of high-speed operation, and operating uncooled at ambient temperature. NIT manufactures uncooled MWIR infrared detectors, cameras, systems, and solutions for industrial and defence applications, as well as LWIR cameras and systems. NIT adheres to quality management principles such as a strong customer focus, senior management motivation and involvement, a process approach, and continuous improvement. NIT focuses on meeting client needs and exceeding their expectations. Every component of a client engagement presents a chance to add value. The company has its distributors in France, Germany, UK, Italy, Canada, US, China, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, and Saudi Arabia.
Excelitas Technologies Corp.
Company Headquarters: US Founded: 1931 Workforce: ~7,500 Company Working: Excelitas Technologies Corp. (Excelitas) offers a wide range of MWIR thermal cameras that have remarkable optical performance in a small footprint. The company’s MWIR thermal cameras provide system designers and end users with the most flexibility to satisfy performance and budget needs, ranging from long range, High-Definition solutions that output digital video to medium range, standard definition variants that output a variety of output formats. Excelitas MWIR cameras are highly suited for border and coastal surveillance, C-UAS applications, and naval and maritime applications since the MWIR waveband is suitable for imaging in marine or tropical conditions. Excelitas Technologies Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AEA Investors, a leading worldwide private investment firm concentrating on middle-market private equity and debt investments. The company enable a wide range of innovations and applications with their extensive integration expertise and diverse photonics technology portfolio, including clinical diagnostics, autonomous vehicles, surgical visualisation, X-ray security screening, smart home systems, additive manufacturing, IOT products, scientific discovery, semiconductor equipment, medical device assembly, defence, and aerospace applications.
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Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Sensors Market