IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market latest Statistics on Market Size, Growth, Production, Sales Volume, Sales Price, Market Share and Import vs Export 

IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market – Executive Summary and Statistical Highlights 

The IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market is entering a high-precision growth phase driven by expanding mid-infrared spectroscopy applications, industrial laser integration, thermal imaging demand, and defense-grade sensing technologies. The market is characterized by rising adoption across medical diagnostics, aerospace sensing, semiconductor processing, environmental monitoring, and defense countermeasure systems.

The transition toward mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) systems is accelerating demand for chalcogenide, fluoride, and hollow-core fibers. Manufacturing scalability improvements and coating innovations are reducing attenuation losses below 0.2 dB/m for select mid-IR bands, enhancing commercial viability.

In 2025, the global IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market Size is estimated at USD 1.42 billion and is projected to reach USD 2.63 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 13.1% during 2025–2030. Growth is led by industrial laser systems, which account for over 34% of total revenue share in 2025, followed by spectroscopy and sensing applications at 27%.

Miniaturization of infrared sensor modules and integration with AI-enabled detection systems are creating new growth corridors. Defense and aerospace demand alone is projected to expand at 14.8% CAGR through 2030. 

 IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market – Statistical Highlights (2025–2030 Outlook) 

• Global IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market valued at USD 1.42 billion in 2025

• Projected market size of USD 2.63 billion by 2030

• CAGR (2025–2030): 13.1%

• Industrial laser applications account for 34% revenue share in 2025

• Mid-IR (2–5 µm) transmission fibers hold 48% market share

• Chalcogenide fibers represent 41% material share

• Defense and aerospace segment growing at 14.8% CAGR

• Medical IR laser systems demand rising at 12.6% CAGR

• Asia-Pacific contributes 38% of global production volume

• R&D spending in infrared photonics increasing at 9.4% annually

 IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market: Rapid Expansion of Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy and Chemical Sensing 

The IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market is witnessing accelerated adoption in mid-infrared spectroscopy, particularly in gas sensing, petrochemical monitoring, and environmental diagnostics.

Mid-infrared spectroscopy demand is projected to grow at 14.2% CAGR between 2025 and 2030. For instance:

• Industrial gas leak detection systems are expanding at 11.8% annually.

• Environmental monitoring installations are increasing by 9.6% per year.

• On-site chemical analysis deployments in pharmaceuticals are rising by 10.4%.

Chalcogenide IR fibers, capable of transmitting wavelengths between 2 µm and 12 µm, are increasingly used in spectroscopy probes. Attenuation rates below 0.5 dB/m in 3–5 µm bands enable stable remote sensing applications over distances exceeding 10 meters.

For example, methane detection systems in oil & gas facilities are deploying fiber-coupled IR sensors in hazardous zones. Deployment volumes increased 18% in 2025 compared to 2024 projections due to regulatory compliance tightening.

Such expansion directly strengthens the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market, particularly in mid-IR transmission categories. 

 IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market: Industrial Laser Processing Integration 

Industrial laser systems represent the largest application category in the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market.

CO₂ laser systems operating at 10.6 µm require hollow-core or specialty fluoride fibers. Industrial laser installations are projected to increase by 12.3% in 2026 across:

• Semiconductor wafer processing

• Precision metal cutting

• Additive manufacturing

• Automotive welding systems

For instance, semiconductor fabrication facilities in Asia-Pacific are expanding production capacity by 8.7% in 2026, driving higher demand for IR beam delivery systems.

Hollow-core IR fibers demonstrate:

• Transmission efficiency above 90%

• Power handling capacity exceeding 200 W continuous wave

• Thermal tolerance up to 200°C in industrial environments

The IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market Size is expected to benefit significantly from the integration of IR fibers into robotic laser heads and automated manufacturing lines.

Industrial automation expansion at 9.8% CAGR further reinforces the need for stable, flexible IR transmission systems. 

 IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market: Defense and Aerospace Infrared Countermeasure Systems 

Defense modernization programs are substantially influencing the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market.

Infrared countermeasure (IRCM) systems and missile detection technologies rely on mid-IR and long-wave IR transmission. Defense budgets allocated toward electro-optical systems are projected to grow at 6.9% annually through 2028.

For instance:

• Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) installations on military aircraft increased by 15% in 2025.

• Thermal imaging payload deployments in UAVs rose by 13.6%.

• Naval IR surveillance systems expanded by 10.2%.

Fluoride fibers, especially ZBLAN-based variants, are used in 2–4 µm laser delivery systems for defense-grade countermeasures. These fibers maintain attenuation as low as 0.1–0.3 dB/m in select bands.

North America and Europe collectively account for 56% of defense-driven demand within the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market.

 IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market: Growth in Medical Infrared Laser Applications 

Medical laser systems represent a high-growth segment within the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market.

Infrared lasers are increasingly used in:

• Minimally invasive surgeries

• Dermatology procedures

• Ophthalmic corrections

• Dental applications

Medical laser equipment sales are projected to expand at 11.7% CAGR from 2025 to 2030.

For example:

• Cosmetic laser procedures are increasing by 9.9% annually.

• Hospital-based laser-assisted surgeries are rising at 8.4%.

• Dental laser adoption is growing at 10.6%.

IR fibers offer flexibility and precise energy delivery in confined anatomical regions. Chalcogenide fibers supporting 2.94 µm Er:YAG lasers demonstrate high transmission efficiency for soft tissue procedures.

The healthcare sector contributes approximately 21% of total revenue in the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market in 2025.

 IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market: Semiconductor and Photonics Manufacturing Demand 

The semiconductor and photonics industries are increasingly dependent on IR beam delivery systems.

The IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market benefits from wafer inspection, lithography alignment, and material characterization systems using mid-IR wavelengths.

Semiconductor capital expenditure is projected to increase by 7.8% in 2026, particularly in advanced node manufacturing below 5 nm.

Infrared spectroscopy systems integrated into wafer inspection lines are expanding at 12.1% CAGR. For example:

• Silicon carbide (SiC) wafer processing grew by 16% in 2025.

• Compound semiconductor fabrication rose by 13.2%.

Low-loss fluoride and hollow-core fibers are increasingly integrated into optical metrology systems.

Asia-Pacific accounts for 38% of global IR fiber production capacity, driven by semiconductor manufacturing hubs.

The expansion of photonic integrated circuits and infrared optical sensors is expected to sustain double-digit growth in the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market through 2030.

IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market – Geographical Demand Analysis 

The IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market demonstrates strong regional concentration across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, with emerging demand corridors in the Middle East and Latin America. Demand distribution in 2025 shows Asia-Pacific leading with 38% revenue share, followed by North America at 29%, Europe at 24%, and Rest of World at 9%.

Industrial laser installations, semiconductor fabs, and defense electro-optical systems remain the primary drivers shaping regional demand patterns within the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market.

Asia-Pacific demand is projected to grow at 14.4% CAGR through 2030, outpacing global averages. For instance, semiconductor fabrication capacity expansion in China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan is increasing demand for mid-IR beam delivery systems by 12.8% annually. Industrial CO₂ laser deployments in automotive manufacturing clusters across China and India are expanding at 10.9% CAGR, strengthening regional consumption of hollow-core infrared fibers.

North America remains the largest defense-driven contributor to the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market, with 41% of regional demand tied to aerospace and military programs. Directed infrared countermeasure installations and advanced thermal imaging payload systems are expanding at 13.7% CAGR through 2028.

Europe demonstrates strong adoption in environmental monitoring and industrial automation. For example, industrial emission monitoring systems are increasing by 9.2% annually, driving demand for mid-wave infrared spectroscopy fibers.

Middle East demand is accelerating at 11.5% CAGR, primarily due to oil & gas methane monitoring systems and petrochemical inspection technologies. Infrared sensing infrastructure deployment increased by 15% in 2025 compared to 2024 levels. 

 IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market – Regional Demand Breakdown 

Asia-Pacific 

• 38% global revenue share (2025) 

• 14.4% CAGR forecast (2025–2030) 

• Semiconductor-driven demand share: 33% 

• Industrial laser application growth: 12.8% 

North America 

• 29% global share 

• Defense and aerospace contribute 41% of regional demand 

• Thermal imaging system expansion: 13.7% CAGR 

Europe 

• 24% global share 

• Environmental sensing growth: 9.2% 

• Medical IR laser adoption: 10.3% 

Rest of World 

• 9% share 

• Oil & gas sensing growth: 11.5% 

The IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market continues to show a strong correlation between advanced manufacturing investment and regional fiber demand density.

 IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market – Production Landscape 

The global production ecosystem for the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market is moderately concentrated, with high-precision manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Germany, Japan, China, and South Korea.

In 2025, global IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) production is estimated at approximately 1.96 million meters. IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) production is projected to exceed 3.1 million meters by 2030, expanding at 9.8% CAGR. Asia-Pacific accounts for 44% of total IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) production, followed by North America at 28% and Europe at 22%. Capacity expansions announced for 2026 indicate a 12% increase in annual IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) production volume, particularly for chalcogenide and fluoride variants. Automation upgrades are improving yield efficiency by 6–8%, strengthening overall IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) production scalability. 

Material-specific production distribution: 

• Chalcogenide fibers: 41% volume share 

• Fluoride fibers (ZBLAN): 32% 

• Hollow-core fibers: 19% 

• Silver halide fibers: 8% 

Production capacity utilization rates are operating at 83% in 2025, suggesting moderate supply tightness in high-specification segments such as long-wave infrared fibers. 

 IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market – Segmentation Overview 

The IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market can be segmented by material type, wavelength range, application, and end-user industry. 

By Material Type 

• Chalcogenide Fiber – 41% share 

• Fluoride Fiber (ZBLAN) – 32% 

• Hollow-Core Fiber – 19% 

• Silver Halide Fiber – 8% 

Chalcogenide fibers dominate due to their broad transmission window (2–12 µm). For instance, spectroscopy and chemical sensing deployments increased 14.2% in 2025, directly supporting this segment. 

By Wavelength Range 

• Short-Wave IR (1–2 µm) – 18% 

• Mid-Wave IR (2–5 µm) – 48% 

• Long-Wave IR (5–12 µm) – 34% 

Mid-wave IR remains the largest segment, driven by gas detection and industrial laser systems. 

By Application 

• Industrial Laser Delivery – 34% 

• Spectroscopy & Sensing – 27% 

• Defense & Aerospace – 22% 

• Medical Lasers – 21% 

• Others – 6% 

Industrial laser applications dominate due to semiconductor and automotive sector expansion. 

By End-User Industry 

• Semiconductor & Electronics – 26% 

• Defense & Aerospace – 24% 

• Healthcare – 21% 

• Industrial Manufacturing – 18% 

• Energy & Utilities – 11% 

The IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market shows strong cross-industry integration, with semiconductor and defense sectors driving higher-value fiber specifications. 

 IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market – Price Structure Analysis 

The IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Price varies significantly depending on material composition, attenuation performance, wavelength range, and power handling capacity.

In 2025, average IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Price ranges are as follows:

• Chalcogenide fibers: USD 950–1,400 per meter

• Fluoride fibers: USD 1,200–1,800 per meter

• Hollow-core fibers: USD 1,600–2,400 per meter

• Silver halide fibers: USD 700–1,100 per meter

High-power hollow-core variants command premium pricing due to complex manufacturing processes and lower production volumes.

Raw material costs account for approximately 38% of total IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Price. Energy-intensive melting and extrusion processes contribute an additional 22%.

IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market – IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Price Trend Analysis 

The IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Price Trend indicates moderate upward pressure through 2026 due to increased demand from semiconductor fabs and defense programs.

In 2025, average IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Price increased by 4.6% compared to 2024 adjusted baselines. Premium mid-IR hollow-core fibers saw price increases of 6.2% due to supply constraints.

However, scaling of IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) production capacity is expected to moderate long-term IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Price Trend fluctuations. Between 2026 and 2028, price stabilization is projected at 2–3% annual growth.

For example:

• Automation-driven yield improvements reduce manufacturing cost per meter by 5–7%.

• Bulk procurement agreements in defense contracts reduce per-unit IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Price by 8–10%.

• Expanded Asian manufacturing capacity could exert downward pressure on mid-range fiber categories.

The IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market demonstrates a balanced pricing environment where technological complexity sustains premium segments, while production scaling improves cost efficiency.

 IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market – Demand-Supply and Future Outlook 

Supply-demand equilibrium in the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market remains moderately tight in high-performance fiber categories. Long-wave IR fibers and high-power hollow-core variants show lead times extending to 14–18 weeks in 2025.

Demand from semiconductor capital equipment manufacturers increased 11.9% in 2025, while defense procurement cycles expanded 13.4%. This dual-sector acceleration is expected to sustain double-digit revenue growth through 2030.

The IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market is projected to maintain structural growth momentum supported by:

• 12% annual increase in mid-IR spectroscopy installations

• 10% growth in industrial laser automation

• 14% defense electro-optical system modernization

The interplay of regional production scaling, stable IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Price Trend, and cross-sector technological integration positions the market for sustained expansion across high-value applications.

Leading Manufacturers in the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market 

The competitive structure of the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market is moderately consolidated, with approximately 8–10 core global suppliers controlling nearly 68–72% of total revenue in 2025. The remaining share is distributed among regional and niche manufacturers specializing in customized infrared fiber assemblies, silver halide fibers, and application-specific probe systems. 

Market leadership is primarily determined by: 

• Material expertise (chalcogenide, fluoride, hollow-core, silver halide) 

• Attenuation performance below 0.5 dB/m in key wavelength bands 

• High-power laser handling capability 

• Aerospace and medical certification standards 

• Customization capabilities for OEM integration 

The IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market continues to demonstrate higher entry barriers due to purity control, glass formulation complexity, and tight dimensional tolerances. 

 IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market Share by Manufacturers (2025 Estimates) 

Based on Staticker analysis for 2025 revenue distribution: 

• IRflex – 13% share 

• Le Verre Fluoré – 11% share 

• Art Photonics – 10% share 

• FiberLabs – 8% share 

• Exail – 7% share 

• Lumenisity – 6% share 

• Weunion Fiber – 5% share 

• Other regional and specialty manufacturers – 40% combined share 

The top five manufacturers collectively account for approximately 49% of total revenue in the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market, indicating moderate consolidation but strong specialization across material types.

 IRflex – Chalcogenide Fiber Leadership in the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market 

IRflex holds a leading position in chalcogenide fiber manufacturing, particularly within the IRF-Se Series product line. These fibers transmit efficiently across the 1.5–10 µm wavelength range and are widely used in spectroscopy and mid-IR laser delivery systems. 

Key strengths include: 

• Attenuation as low as 0.29–0.35 dB/m at 3.9 µm 

• High chemical stability for gas sensing probes 

• Custom core diameters ranging from 100 µm to 1000 µm 

The company benefits from growing demand in environmental monitoring systems, where spectroscopy installations increased by 14% in 2025. As mid-IR chemical sensing expands, IRflex maintains competitive positioning in the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market through strong R&D investment in glass purification processes.

 Le Verre Fluoré – Fluoride Fiber Specialization 

Le Verre Fluoré is a key supplier of ZBLAN fluoride fibers, supporting 2–7 µm transmission. Fluoride fibers are widely used in medical laser systems and defense electro-optical systems. 

The company’s single-mode fluoride fiber products are particularly relevant for: 

• Mid-IR laser beam delivery 

• Spectroscopy instrumentation 

• Aerospace countermeasure systems 

Fluoride fibers represent 32% of total material share in the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market, and Le Verre Fluoré commands a leading position within this segment. The company benefits from increased medical IR laser procedures, which are expanding at 11–12% CAGR through 2030. 

Art Photonics – Broad Spectrum Specialty Fiber Provider 

Art Photonics differentiates itself by offering fibers covering a broad spectral range from UV to long-wave IR up to 18 µm. This wide bandwidth capability makes it suitable for aerospace sensing and advanced spectroscopy. 

The company supplies: 

• Mid-IR specialty fiber cables 

• Custom bundles for industrial automation 

• Space-qualified fiber assemblies

The aerospace segment within the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market is expanding at nearly 14% CAGR, supporting sustained demand for radiation-resistant and long-wavelength fiber systems. 

 FiberLabs – Fluoride and Medical Laser Integration 

FiberLabs holds approximately 8% market share in the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market, with emphasis on fluoride fiber technology and packaged laser modules.

The company serves:

• Dental laser OEMs

• Dermatology device manufacturers

• Industrial sensing equipment providers

Medical laser equipment demand is growing at 11.7% CAGR, and FiberLabs benefits from integration partnerships with healthcare device manufacturers. 

 Exail and Lumenisity – Hollow-Core Fiber Innovators 

Hollow-core fiber technology represents one of the fastest-growing segments in the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market, expanding at nearly 15% CAGR through 2030. 

Exail focuses on photonic bandgap hollow-core fibers designed for: 

• High-power beam delivery 

• Low-latency optical systems 

• Precision metrology 

Lumenisity specializes in antiresonant hollow-core fiber structures capable of achieving ultra-low optical loss levels. Hollow-core fibers allow power handling above 200 W continuous wave in specific configurations.

Although hollow-core currently represents approximately 20% of total revenue in the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market, technological advancements are expected to increase share to nearly 27% by 2030.

 Weunion Fiber and Regional Manufacturers 

Weunion Fiber and similar regional suppliers collectively account for about 5% individual share and 40% combined share among smaller players. 

These companies typically compete on: 

• Cost-efficient hollow-core variants 

• Custom fiber geometries 

• Regional supply advantages 

Asia-Pacific manufacturing expansion has increased competition in mid-range IR fiber categories, contributing to moderate price stabilization across standard chalcogenide segments. 

 Competitive Positioning in the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market 

Competition in the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market is based on technical differentiation rather than large-scale commoditization.

Key competitive parameters include:

• Transmission loss below 0.3 dB/m in mid-IR bands

• Thermal durability above 200°C

• Minimum bending radius tolerance

• Custom termination and connectorization capabilities

• Defense-grade and medical compliance certifications

Manufacturers with advanced glass purification and hollow-core microstructure fabrication capabilities maintain margin advantages of 4–7 percentage points over smaller competitors.

R&D intensity across leading players averages 8–11% of annual revenue, indicating a technology-driven competitive landscape. 

 Recent Developments in the IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market (2024–2026 Timeline) 

2024 

• Capacity expansion announcements in Asia-Pacific for chalcogenide fiber production, increasing regional output by 9%. 

• Increased defense procurement contracts for mid-IR laser countermeasure systems. 

2025 

• Demonstration of record-low loss hollow-core fiber performance in mid-IR applications, improving efficiency by approximately 12% compared to prior generation designs. 

• Medical device manufacturers expanded integration of IR fiber delivery systems in minimally invasive surgical equipment. 

2026 (Projected) 

• Additional 12% increase in global production capacity, particularly for hollow-core and fluoride fibers. 

• Strategic collaborations between semiconductor equipment OEMs and fiber suppliers to integrate mid-IR spectroscopy modules into wafer inspection lines. 

The IR-Transmitting Fiber (Infrared Fiber) Market continues evolving through technological innovation, with leading manufacturers strengthening their positions via specialization in high-performance material systems. Market share shifts are expected to remain incremental rather than disruptive, reflecting high technical entry barriers and certification requirements.