Semicon malaise postpones surface science rebound.In 2002, the market for surface science instruments was adversely affected by the ongoing woes in the semiconductor industry, which is by far the most important commercial market for these products. Nevertheless, surface science still managed to generate modest growth during this difficult period. For 2003, the overall growth rate is expected to be 5.1%.However, as the recovery of the semiconductor industry continues and new biological applications for these instruments continue to appear, the markets for 2004 and beyond should generate high single-digit growth. [GRAPHIC OMITTED] Scanning probe microscopy microscopy /mi·cros·co·py/ (mi-kros´kah-pe) examination under or observation by means of the microscope. mi·cros·co·py n. 1. The study of microscopes. 2. (SPM SPM - Sequential Parlog Machine ) is the surface science technique that will exhibit the strongest growth for 2003. Atomic force microscopy, the most common SPM technique, is gaining momentum both from increased capabilities for semiconductor applications, and also from acceptance as a technique for probing biological samples. Electron microscopy electron microscopy Technique that allows examination of samples too small to be seen with a light microscope. Electron beams have much smaller wavelengths than visible light and hence higher resolving power. and confocal microscopy Confocal microscopy is an optical imaging technique used to increase micrograph contrast and/or to reconstruct three-dimensional images by using a spatial pinhole to eliminate out-of-focus light or flare in specimens that are thicker than the focal plane. will display growth in the mid to low single-digit range for the year. The former will benefit from the resurgence re·sur·gence n. 1. A continuing after interruption; a renewal. 2. A restoration to use, acceptance, activity, or vigor; a revival. in the semiconductor industry. Although confocal microscopy has benefited from technical advances, such as multiphoton systems, its growth has remained uninspiring uninspiring Adjective not likely to make people interested or excited Adj. 1. uninspiring - depressing to the spirit; "a villa of uninspiring design" inspiring - stimulating or exalting to the spirit . Surface analyzers, which are most commonly used in semiconductor, polymer and other materials science materials science Study of the properties of solid materials and how those properties are determined by the material's composition and structure, both macroscopic and microscopic. applications, continue to suffer from the negative effects of the downturn in the semiconductor industry. This market is expected to decline 2.4% in 2003.
2001-04 Total Surface Science
Instrumentation Global Market
$Millions
2001 1496
2002 1582
2003 1662
2004 1802
Note: Table made from bar graph.
2002 Surface Science Product
Segmentation by Technique
Surface 13%
Analyzers
Scanning 16%
Probe
Microscopy
Confocal 6%
Microscopy
Electron 65%
Microscopy
Note: Table made from pie chart.
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