An IR LED or infrared LED is an infrared light-emitting diode, a semiconductor device that releases infrared rays when exposed to an electric current. They are commonly used in several transfer systems, such as in remote controls for televisions and in night-vision cameras, among others.
The global IR LED market growth is being driven by the increasing demand for consumer electronics and growing defence applications of infrared LED technology. Rising disposable incomes and the availability of a wide range of consumer electronics are surging the demand for infrared LEDs. Intelligent lighting technology that is part of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and dynamic machine vision systems are further expanding the market potential for IR LED. Infrared LED is also becoming increasingly utilised in advanced surveillance applications including automatic licence plate recognition and biometrics for facial, fingerprint, and iris recognition.
At a regional level, the market in Asia-Pacific is anticipated to witness significant growth over the coming years. The market is expanding due to the presence of densely populated nations like China and India, rising disposable income, and shifting consumer lifestyles.
IR LED Market Segmentation
Global IR LED Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:Based on technology, the market is bifurcated into:
- IR LED Chip
- IR LED Package
IR LED chips are used in a wide range of applications, including remote controls, surveillance systems, night-vision equipment, and optical sensors. They are also used in emerging technologies such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems, which are crucial for autonomous vehicles.
The infrared LED market segmentation by spectral range is
- 700 nm - 850 nm
- 850 nm - 950 nm
- 950 nm - 1020 nm
- 1020 nm - 1720 nm
- Others
Additionally, in the security sector, IR LEDs in this range are used for night vision and surveillance cameras. They provide illumination that is not visible to the human eye but can be detected by cameras, enabling night-time monitoring without drawing attention.
Based on application, the market is categorised into:
- Biometrics
- Imaging
- Lighting
- Remote Sensing
- Surveillance
- Others
IR LEDs are widely used in night vision cameras. These cameras detect the IR light that is invisible to the human eye, allowing them to capture clear images in complete darkness or low-light conditions. The IR illumination provided by these LEDs enables security cameras to capture high-quality video footage, even when there is insufficient visible light. Since IR light is not visible to the naked eye, IR LEDs are also ideal for covert surveillance operations as they allow security cameras to operate discreetly without drawing attention.
On the basis of end-use, the market is divided into:
- Aerospace and Defence
- Automotive
- Consumer Electronics
- Commercial
- Industrial
- Healthcare and Hospitality
- Retail
- Others
IR LEDs are used in various types of optical sensors for proximity sensing, gesture recognition, and ambient light detection in devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. These sensors can detect the presence of a user, automate screen brightness, or enable touchless controls.
The report also covers the regional markets for IR LED, which are as follows
- North America
- Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East and Africa
IR LED Market Analysis
IR LEDs are semiconductor devices that emit light in the infrared spectrum, which is invisible to the human eye but can be detected by sensors and cameras. The market for IR LEDs is expanding due to their increasing adoption in diverse applications, from consumer electronics to industrial processes.The growth of the market is propelled by the increasing demand for advanced sensor technology in various applications, the rise of IoT (Internet of Things), and the growing automotive and consumer electronics sectors. Ongoing advancements in semiconductor technology are some of the crucial IR LED market trends that have led to the development of more efficient, powerful, and compact IR LEDs. Some common innovations include improvements in wavelength specificity, power consumption, and integration with other electronic components.
Rising Use in the Healthcare Sector to Bolster Market Growth
As infrared LEDs consume low energy and generate low heat, they provide minimal harm to the environment and are increasingly used in various applications, invigorating the market growth. In addition, the cost-effectiveness and efficient production of infrared lights of various wavelengths by IR LEDs is one of the key infrared LED market trends augmenting the market.The rising use of IR LED in the healthcare sector is expected to aid the IR LED market demand for infrared LEDs as infrared therapy is used to treat pain and inflammation in various body parts. Moreover, recent research indicates the potential use of IR LED therapy in the treatment of various health conditions, such as arthritis, muscle pain, and joint stiffness, among others. Additionally, IR LEDs are also used in several medical devices for endoscopy, blood analysis, and skin and wound treatment, which is significantly bolstering the global market size.
Moreover, the increasing prevalence of security installations to minimise theft and monitor homes is also aiding the market for infrared LEDs. The escalating applications of IR LEDs in machine-to-machine environments (M2M) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are catalysing the market growth. IR LEDs are also increasingly being used for gesture recognition in game consoles.
Flourishing Automotive Sector Boosts the Market Share
The robust growth of the automotive sector is boosting the market growth of IR LEDs. The growing emphasis on road safety and the rising demand for advanced electronics in vehicles is further aiding the market growth. IR LEDs are also utilised for outdoor automotive applications, such as lane recognition, gesture recognition, night vision, and pedestrian protection.The surging use of IR LED in biometrics of phone and security systems is further aiding the market growth for infrared LEDs. With advancements in technology and rising internet penetration, mobile banking and digital wallets are becoming more prevalent, which require more advanced security.
In addition, rising cases of burglary and property damage have increased the demand for safety alarms. The use of IR LED in safety alarm systems as a motion sensor is propelling the market growth. As infrared light is invisible to the naked human eye, infrared LEDs can be used for optimum lightning performance in night surveillance cameras. The advent of smart homes, smart cities, and smart offices, especially in developed cities, is heightening the demand for remote controls for lighting, music systems, and televisions, which is consequently increasing the infrared LED market size.
Market Share by Region
North America, particularly the United States, is one of the key markets for IR LEDs, driven by robust technological infrastructure and high demand across various sectors. The market in this region is characterised by high growth potential, particularly in areas like automotive, consumer electronics, healthcare, and industrial applications.North America has a large market for consumer electronics, where IR LEDs are widely used in remote controls, smart devices, and gaming systems. The automotive industry in this region, especially in the U.S., is rapidly adopting IR LED technology for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including night vision and pedestrian detection systems. The region is also home to several leading technology companies and research institutions that are at the forefront of developing advanced IR LED technologies.
Key Players in the Market
The report presents a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global IR LED market, looking into their capacity, market shares, and latest developments like capacity expansions, plant turnarounds, and mergers and acquisitions:- OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH
- EPILEDS Technologies, Inc.
- Epistar Corporation
- Nichia Corporation
- Kingbright Company, LLC
- Everlight Electronics Co., Ltd
- ROHM Co., Ltd.
- Würth Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG
- Harvatek Corporation
- Hamamatsu Photonics K.K
- Others
Table of Contents
Companies Mentioned
The key companies featured in this IR LED market report include:- OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH
- EPILEDS Technologies, Inc.
- Epistar Corporation
- Nichia Corporation
- Kingbright Company, LLC
- Everlight Electronics Co., Ltd
- ROHM Co., Ltd.
- Würth Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG
- Harvatek Corporation
- Hamamatsu Photonics K.K