Market Profile: Handheld and Portable NIR
Demand for portable and handheld near infrared (NIR) instruments has exploded over the past several years, mirroring trends in other handheld spectroscopy techniques.
Demand for portable and handheld near infrared (NIR) instruments has exploded over the past several years, mirroring trends in other handheld spectroscopy techniques. Initially driven by the polymers and plastics industry, demand for the technique is now becoming significantly diversified, which should help drive strong growth for a number of years to come.
Significant technological advancements have enabled the development of practical low-cost and rugged spectrometers over the past several years, including NIR-based instruments. Smaller and more powerful batteries and improved electronics have helped, but the application of micro electromechanical system (MEMS) technology to the area was perhaps the most significant of these improvements.
Portable NIR spectroscopy market in 2009
The plastics and polymers industry has accounted for the largest industrial demand thus far for handheld NIR instruments, which have seen heavy use in the classification of used plastics for recycling. Applications in agriculture and food are becoming increasingly important to the handheld and portable market, which is only natural because of the heavy use of other configurations of NIR spectroscopy in the industry. The use of portable and handheld NIR also is increasing for incoming material inspection in the pharmaceutical industry.
Global demand for handheld and portable NIR developed from less than $10 million in 2005 to nearly $40 million in 2008 before being significantly impacted by the global recession in 2009. However, demand was expected to rebound strongly in 2010 and should continue on a pace of double-digit growth for several years to come.
The foregoing data were extracted from SDi's market analysis and perspectives report entitled The Global Assessment Report 11th Edition: The Laboratory Life Science and Analytical Instrument Industry, October 2010. For more information, contact Stuart Press, Vice President, Strategic Directions International, Inc., 6242 Westchester Parkway, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90045, (310) 641-4982, fax: (310) 641-8851, www.strategic-directions.com.
Portable and Wearable Spectrometers in Our Future
December 3rd 2024The following is a summary of selected articles published recently in Spectroscopy on the subject of handheld, portable, and wearable spectrometers representing a variety of analytical techniques and applications. Here we take a closer look at the ever shrinking world of spectroscopy devices and how they are used. As spectrometers progress from bulky lab instruments to compact, portable, and even wearable devices, the future of spectroscopy is transforming dramatically. These advancements enable real-time, on-site analysis across diverse industries, from healthcare to environmental monitoring. This summary article explores cutting-edge developments in miniaturized spectrometers and their expanding range of practical applications.
Q&A: Portable FT-IR Empowers On-Site Food Quality Assurance
February 1st 2024Exploring the transformative capabilities of handheld Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometers, Luis Rodriguez-Saona of The Ohio State University emphasizes their pivotal role in ensuring food integrity and safety across the entire supply chain.
Portable Raman Spectrometers: How Small Can They Get?
June 1st 2023There is a growing desire among spectroscopists for having instruments small enough to be taken to the sample, as opposed to bringing the sample to the instrument. The result is that Raman spectrometers are becoming more miniaturized. Because these instruments come at a lower cost and offer distinct advantages over traditional spectrometers, the expectation is that a rapid expansion of when these instruments are applied will come forthwith. We offer a preview of how future miniaturized Raman spectrometers might look.
