Atomic force microscope is a type of scanning probe microscope that is used to obtain topography images of surfaces at a nanoscale resolution. It has the ability to obtain images of surfaces with resolutions on the order of fractions of a nanometer, which is nearly 1000 times better than the optical diffraction limit. Some key advantages of atomic force microscopes include its ability to capture three-dimensional images of a material's surface topography, provide data about surface properties such as hardness, adhesion, and viscoelasticity. Atomic force microscope have significant applications across various sectors such as semiconductors, materials science, polymer and life sciences research.
The Global Atomic Force Microscope Market Share 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 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. Majority of these players are focusing on new product launches and innovations to expand their product portfolio and cater to the growing demand from end use industries.
The atomic force microscope market is expected to witness several growth opportunities owing to increasing application of AFM in life sciences industry for cell biology research. AFM allows scientists to watch protein-protein interactions in real time and study DNA replication and protein folding which is propelling its adoption across research laboratories.
Key players are also eyeing opportunities in emerging markets through strategic partnerships and acquisitions to strengthen their global footprint. For instance, in 2021, Oxford instruments acquired nPoint, a US-based manufacturer of atomic force microscope probes to enhance its product offerings in the United States. Such initiatives are enhancing companies access to new customers and driving the global expansion of atomic force microscope market.
Market Drivers
One of the key driver for atomic force microscope market is increased application of AFM in semiconductor industry for quality control and failure analysis. Semiconductor foundries are increasingly using AFM for nanoscale imaging and metrology to identify defects during fabrication process. This is supporting the growth of AFM market.
Market Restraints
High cost of atomic force microscopes is a major challenge hampering its widespread adoption. Advanced research grade atomic force microscopes can cost over a million dollars which is prohibitive for small research laboratories and startups. This acts as a key restraint for the atomic force microscope market growth.
Segment Analysis
The atomic force microscope market can be segmented based on type such as research grade AFM, industrial grade AFM. The research grade AFM segment dominated the market in 2024 and is expected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. Research grade AFMs are used majorly in laboratories for various R&D applications like material characterization, semiconductor inspections etc. They offer higher resolution and precision as compared to industrial grade AFMs which drives their higher demand.
Global Analysis
Regionally, North America accounted for the largest share in the atomic force microscope market in 2024 owing to increasing investments in nanotechnology R&D as well as presence of major players in the region. Asia Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. This is mainly attributed to rapid expansion of electronics and semiconductor industries and increasing government funding for nanotechnology research in countries like China, India. Rising industrial applications of AFM technology is also expected to support the growth of atomic force microscope market in Asia Pacific.
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