In-depth analysis of atomic force microscopy market

Atomic force microscopes are in high demand in nanomedicine, concentrating on diseased tissue characterization, imaging, early diagnosis, and drug delivery. A nano-scale probe brought into light contact with the sample under examination allows atomic resolution of material surface topography to be obtained by atomic force microscopy systems. Additionally, it can provide quantitative nanoscale measurements of sample characteristics such as the size of features, chemical composition, electrical data, and material properties.

The market worth of atomic force microscopy in 2021 was USD 488.88 million and will be worth USD 782.81 million by 2030, growing at a 5.37% CAGR.

AFM is also frequently used to visualize, probe, and manipulate biological systems derived from living cells and find new drugs. AFM market growth is mostly driven by government funding for expanding nanotechnology and nanoscience research and development.

The adaptability and dominance of AFM in examining samples at lengths exceeding nanoscales are primarily responsible for the market’s expansion. AFMs can acquire three-dimensional topography, which satisfies the needs of scientists and engineers by providing measurements of a range of surfaces.

Market Dynamics

Trends

The growing use of AFM for nanotechnology applications is one of the most important trends.

The growing use of AFM for biological applications is another significant trend. AFM is a perfect technique for examining biological samples at high resolution. It is increasingly employed for tasks including describing DNA and other macromolecules, mapping cell membranes, and researching protein interactions.

Drivers

The requirement for better characterization of nanomaterials and the rising demand for nanotechnology are the main factors propelling the market for atomic force microscopy.

Atomic force microscopy is an effective method for examining the properties of materials at the nanoscale, and its application will rise as interest in nanotechnology rises.

Restraints

The high cost of the apparatus is one of the major hindrances in the atomic force microscopy market. Since AFMs cost more than $100,000, many laboratories cannot afford them.

Lack of uniformity is another issue the atomic force microscopy sector is facing. Results from different laboratories cannot easily be compared because no single AFM platform is widely approved.

Opportunity

Manufacturers use AFM and industrial researchers to analyze the structural geometry of OLED displays, including height, pitch, crucial dimension, angle, and even sidewalls. This is due to the consistent force measurement outputs, low system noise, highly accurate rate, and little tip-to-tip fluctuation of AFM imaging technology. All of these elements will increase the market for AFM in the future.

Market Segmentation

• The Atomic Force Microscopes market segment will have the highest offering in 2021 and the highest CAGR over the forecast period.
• Industrial-grade AFM will hold the largest market share in terms of. This is due to the fact that industrial-grade AFM is more in demand than research-grade AFM due to its high accuracy in detecting and visualizing even the smallest surface patterns. Additionally, the industrial-grade AFM will increase at a CAGR of 4.5 percent and reach US$ 428.2 million.
• In terms of Application, the material science sector will represent the greatest market share in 2021. As novel materials like polymers, metals, alloys, ceramics, and biomaterials are discovered and designed, AFM is crucial for materials science research. The semiconductors and electronics sector will grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

Regional Insights

North America was the biggest regional market in 2021. High-resolution single-chip AFM technology innovation, rising businesses investing in the market, product launches, and player partnerships are a few aspects driving the market growth. For instance, Integrated Circuit Scanning Probe Microscopes (ICSPI Corp), a Canadian company, manufactures Small AFM chips for around 10 times less money than many high-end AFM. The chips are created using the same CMOS technology as processors, RAM, and almost all other microelectronic devices. With CMOS manufacturing, batch fabrication is possible, enabling cost reduction and scale economies. 

Key Players 

• Park Systems
• JPK Instruments
• Nanosurf
• Asylum Research (Oxford Instruments)
• Nanonics Imaging
• Hitachi High-Technologies
• Keysight Technologies
• Witec
• Anasys Instruments
• Bruker Corporation
• NT-MDT
• RHK Technology
• A.P.E. Research

The market worth of atomic force microscopy in 2021 was USD 488.88 million and will be worth USD 782.81 million by 2030, growing at a 5.37% CAGR. The main drivers of the worldwide atomic force microscopes market are the rising popularity of biomedicine and biology and the rising need for higher-resolution microscopy. Additionally, the market growth of AFM is due to its adaptability and capability to take testing beyond Nano sizes.