Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Market Size & Share 2026-2035

Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Market Size

The global shortwave infrared (SWIR) market was valued at USD 788.1 million in 2025. The market is expected to grow from USD 843.9 million in 2026 to USD 2.3 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period according to the latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

The rising adoption of advanced imaging technologies across industrial automation, semiconductor inspection, defense and security surveillance, integration with AI-enhanced systems, and expanding industrial quality control applications propel market growth.
 

The drive for shortwave infrared (SWIR) imaging is increasing demand for SWIR systems due to the growing number of industries that are utilizing these types of systems. SWIR imaging has advantages over traditional visible light or Near Infrared (NIR) systems in that they allow people to see through various types of obstructive materials (smoke, haze and dust) and provide increased levels of contrast for use with inspection and surveillance applications. The above listed advantages have resulted in a rapid increase in adoption of this technology within both manufacturing, defense and in the monitoring of critical-armed infrastructure systems.
 

The U.S. Air Force (through the AFWERX office) awarded a contract to Princeton Infrared Technologies in 2023 for the value of USD 749,961 through the Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to develop extended wavelength (long wave) SWIR sensor technology for the use of Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), which demonstrates the growing investment by government into the development of SWIR systems to support defense & surveillance requirements.
 

The rapid improvement in areas such as sensor technology, image processing capabilities, and integration into AI & machine vision systems to enhance their image performance or minimize system size and support the delivery of Real-Time QC (Quality Control) capabilities has helped to spur the ongoing growth of these products. In August of 2024 Teledyne FLIR introduced their latest line of advanced SWIR cameras that have been designed for use with industry inspection, Environmental Monitoring and Precision Farming to demonstrate that SWIR cameras can have expanded uses beyond those traditionally associated with them.
 

Between 2022 and 2024, the market witnessed considerable growth, increasing from USD 682.7 million in 2022 to USD 743.3 million in 2024. Integration with industrial automation and inspection systems combined with higher-resolution sensors and improved sensitivity has made SWIR essential for defect detection, moisture analysis, and material sorting in semiconductor and manufacturing lines. As a result of their unique characteristics and the ability of SWIR image sensors to detect characteristics that are invisible to conventional camera imaging techniques, SWIR image sensors have been projected to increase in unit volume in the growing industrial camera marketplace.
 

The SWIR imaging sensor market is benefitting from the combination of new investments from private companies and government agencies in the research & development of the imaging technology and security sectors, continued modernization efforts undertaken by the defense industry to create more modern product offerings, & the increasing use of autonomous sensing by companies & individuals alike.
 

As an example, Onsemi announced that it has acquired SWIR Vision Systems, enabling Onsemi to significantly advance its capabilities in intelligent sensing by developing SWIR sensor products that can pass through an extremely wide spectrum of substrates, including fabric and gasses, in July of 2024. This is an important capability for both the surveillance and industrial inspection applications of SWIR technology.
 

Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Market Trends

• The development of SWIR imaging technology for use in autonomous systems has picked up momentum since the beginning of the decade. The rise in popularity for better perception capabilities in low-visibility conditions, such as dust or smoke, has been a key driver of the SWIR market with the proliferation of autonomous platforms. Research funded by DEVCOM (U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command) has focused on utilizing SWIR technologies to improve situational awareness and improve target discrimination on the battlefield by using SWIR sensors to observe environments where atmospheric conditions have created obstacles in observation.
   
• Multi-modal imaging systems that combine various types of SWIR with visible light, thermal infrared, and LiDAR will continue to grow and evolve in the continued development of advanced vision solutions and increase classification & interpretative capabilities for both material & environmental data. The increasing adoption of multi-modal imaging is a significant trend that is supporting market growth by broadening the applications of SWIR in manufacturing, quality control, and scientific research. Collaborative initiatives such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) multispectral imaging programs illustrate this integration.
   
• The acceleration of technology miniaturization for short-wave infrared sensors (SWIR), innovative next-generation materials InGaAs and expanded range SWIR detectors, has allowed for the creation of small and low power imaging systems used in handheld and integrated systems. This trend is helping the market grow by allowing SWIR systems to be deployed in UAVs, robots, and handheld inspection devices, opening new sectors and commercial applications. Companies such as Sony Semiconductor Solutions have developed new commercial SenSWIR platforms where new SWIR Sensor technology can be put in a smaller form factor system than previously possible.
   
• There is a growing demand for SWIR Imaging for environmental and agriculture applications as stakeholders look for non-invasive and high sensitivity methods of determining moisture content, plant stress and crop health. Projects funded by the government such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) remote sensing initiatives have identified SWIR bands as essential in determining soil moisture levels as well as early detection of plant disease across large geographic agricultural great areas.
   
• Open Standards and software frameworks focused on SWIR data processors will serve as an enabler to increase SWIR data usage and will lower the barrier to entry by making it easier to integrate with the machine vision, and data analytics platforms. The industry consortiums and initiatives such as the VITA open vision standard alliance promote interoperable interfaces that simplify the adoption of SWIR cameras in automation and robotics and enable the scalability of this technology across multiple industry verticals.
   

Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Market Analysis

The global Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) market was valued at USD 682.7 million and USD 708.5 million in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The market size reached USD 788.1 million in 2025, growing from USD 743.3 million in 2024.
 

By spectral range, the global shortwave infrared (SWIR) market is segmented into 700nm–850nm, 850nm–950nm, 950nm–1020nm, and 1020nm–2500nm. The 850nm–950nm segment dominated the market in 2025 with a revenue of USD 330.4 million.
 

• 850-950 nm held the largest market share in the SWIR market, given its ability to meet the requirements of a wide variety of industrial inspection, surveillance and quality control processes that require moderate penetration depth and high resolution imaging.
   
• Although the 1020-2500 nm segment is projected to grow the fastest at a CAGR of 16.3% throughout the forecast period because of increasing demand for higher sensitivity detection, chemical analysis and advanced imaging applications, the 850-950 nm segment continues to generate the largest market revenue and is proven to have a strong performance and is cost effective to integrate.
   
• Growth in the 1020-2500 nm spectral range is being driven by the ability to penetrate deep into materials, provide better spectral analysis and being able to support applications in scientific, defense and environmental monitoring.
   
• Growth in the long-wavelength SWIR spectral range has been attributed to advances in sensor technology such as extended range detectors and advanced imaging modules that allow for accurate measurement and monitoring under complex and critical situations.
   

By power output, the global shortwave infrared (SWIR) market is segmented into below 1 W, 1 W–5 W, and above 5 W. The below 1 W segment dominated the market in 2025 with a revenue of USD 262.7 million.
 

• The 1W and below power output segment dominates the market share because it has characteristics that fit well with applications requiring low-power imaging, sensing, and surveillance. In these applications, efficiency, small size, and low cost are all major factors contributing to the success of this segment.
   
• Many portable, battery-powered, and space-limited devices utilize below 1W SWIR systems because they provide long-lasting operational capability and dependable performance in a variety of industrial and defense settings.
   
• The popularity of the below 1W SWIR systems is enhanced by developed manufacturing processes, broad compatibility with currently utilized imaging systems, and long-term commitment to fielded commercial and government programs.
   
• The 1W-5W output power segment is anticipated to have the highest CAGR of 13.7% during the forecast period due to increased demand for greater intensity lighting, advanced inspection, and scientific imaging, however, this segment continues to account for the greatest revenue share in the overall market as a direct result of its broad applicability and cost-effectiveness.
   
• The 1W-5W output power segment is experiencing rapid expansion due to its ability to deliver significantly more radiance for medium-range imaging, precision measurement, and laboratory-grade applications.
   
• The high adoption rate of the 1W-5W segment is being driven by advancements in technology with regard to SWIR light sources, primarily with respect to the optical efficiency and thermal management of SWIR light sources, which allows for increased performance within higher-level operational settings.

By application, the global shortwave infrared (SWIR) market is segmented into medical, solar simulator, machine vision, optical sorting, biometrics, imaging, lighting, remote sensing, and surveillance.
 

• The medical segment dominated the market in 2025 with a revenue of USD 246.6 million. In addition, the medical application segment has the largest share of the market as it plays an imperative role in non-invasive diagnostics and surgical guidance.
   
• This is primarily due to the need for imaging systems that can provide high resolution and high sensitivity when imaging medical images. The SWIR technology is preferred in a variety of medical applications because it can penetrate biological tissues, enhance contrast, and provide early identification of medical abnormalities to better assist with medical treatment.
   
• Furthermore, SWIR is well established in healthcare due to the established integration with medical imaging devices, obtaining regulatory approval, and being utilized by hospitals and research facilities throughout the world.
   
• The optical sorting segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.7% during forecast period as a result of the increased automation of the food, agricultural and recycling industries over the forecast period.

North America held significant share in the global Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) market with a market share of 32.3% in 2025.
 

• The early commercialization of SWIR technologies in the region benefits from a strong demand in the U.S., due to the presence of established SWIR sensor developers, optics manufacturers, and system integrators and all have great potential for innovation based upon their extensive R&D efforts.
   
• They continue to benefit from the continued improvement of their technology and a growing demand for SWIR technologies for applications in the defense and homeland security sectors of the U.S.
   
• In addition, the increased infrastructure of the healthcare sector in the U.S. along with the increasing trend towards using noninvasive imaging techniques in the clinical diagnosis and clinical research applications has also increased the number of uses for SWIR technologies in the healthcare industry.
   
• The increasing use of industrial automation and machine vision technologies in manufacturing along with the increased use of SWIR technologies for inspection of semiconductor products and in materials analysis all have increased the market demand for SWIR technology.
   

The U.S. Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) market was valued at USD 196.8 million and USD 204.5 million in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The market size reached USD 228 million in 2025, growing from USD 214.8 million in 2024.
 

• As a result of its technological infrastructure, an early commitment to invest in advanced imaging technology, and a history of inventing and creating new technologies in the areas of photonics and sensors, the USA is still the dominant player in the SWIR market.
   
• The United States has also created a concentration of SWIR manufacturers, suppliers of optical components, and integrators of SWIR systems, which allows for the creation and deployment of SWIR systems for medical imaging, industrial inspection, and surveillance applications quickly.
   

The Europe Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) market accounted for USD 159.8 million in 2025 and is expected to witness strong growth over the forecast period.
 

• The Europe held significant share due to the increasing demand for SWIR products in various sectors such as medical imaging, industrial automation, scientific research, and security applications.
   
• The continuous growth of SWIR in these industries has been facilitated by the presence of experienced photonics and optical ecosystem which includes research institutions, sensor manufacturers, and system integrators. These entities work together to develop and produce SWIR products using cutting-edge technology.
   

Germany dominates the Europe Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) market, showcasing strong growth potential.
 

• Germany has been the largest market for SWIR technology in Europe due to its advanced industrial infrastructure, robust engineering capabilities, and pioneering efforts to adopt high-end imaging and sensing technologies.
   
• The country's focus on Industry 4.0, precision manufacturing, and quality control has created a continual, long-term need for the use of SWIR technologies in machine vision, optical inspection, and automation industries.
   

The Asia-Pacific Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 14.3% during the analysis period.
 

• Asia-Pacific is experiencing a tremendous increase in the growth of its SWIR market segment due to the rapid growth of industries across the region combined with an increase in the use of various types of automation, such as machine vision and inspection systems. These sectors, including industrial automation, healthcare, and security, are all increasing their use of advanced technologies like imaging and sensing.
   
• Countries within Asia, including China, Japan, South Korea and India are focused on developing their SWIR technology through investments into semiconductor manufacturing as well as funding new developments in photonics, resulting in increased capabilities for their respective industries. The increase in demand for SWIR technologies in a variety of areas, including optical sorting, quality inspection, medical diagnostics and surveillance is also contributing to the expansion of the market across the region.
   
• In addition, the presence of an extensive manufacturing base combined with the increase in electronics and semiconductor industries in Asia is providing domestic technology provider with an opportunity to grow their businesses. Consequently, the demand for SWIR Sensors, cameras and integrated imaging solutions within both government and commercial sectors in Asia continues to soar.
   

China is estimated to grow significantly within the Asia-Pacific Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) market.
 

• China is emerging as a high-growth market for SWIR technologies, supported by rapid industrial expansion, increasing automation, and strong government focus on advanced manufacturing and high-end imaging capabilities.
   
• National initiatives aimed at strengthening semiconductor self-reliance, photonics research, and smart manufacturing are accelerating the adoption of SWIR sensors and imaging systems across industrial inspection, optical sorting, and security applications.
   

Brazil leads the Latin America Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) market, showing strong growth during the analysis period.
 

• The emergence of Brazil as a growth hub in the region is due to an increase in industrial activity and a large increase in automation technology usage.
   
• The increasing Brazilian demand for SWIR applications including, optical sorting, material inspection and quality control is attributed to the growth in manufacturing base, agricultural processing and mining sectors.
   
• In addition, several government-led initiatives aimed at supporting industrial modernization, smart agriculture and research related to advanced sensing technologies have sparked additional interest in the Brazilian SWIR market through active participation from local system integrators.
   

South Africa is expected to witness substantial growth in the Middle East & Africa Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) market during the forecast period.
 

• South Africa's opportunities to grow will arise from greater acceptance of new technologies in mining, industrial inspection, security, and scientific research, through greater use of advanced imaging and sensing technologies to help these industries operate more efficiently and effectively.
   
• Another significant driver of growth within the South African market for SWIR solutions will come from the continued expansion in the usage of SWIR technology by the already established and growingly successful South African mining & mineral processing market, especially for material characterization, optical sorting, and process optimization.
   
• In addition to these identified drivers for the growth of the SWIR market in South Africa, continued efforts by the government to support the modernization of technology and increase investment on infrastructure will further enhance the growth of the SWIR market in South Africa, as well as throughout the MEA region.
   

Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Market Share

The competitive landscape of the global Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) market is characterized by moderate fragmentation, high technological intensity, and strong emphasis on materials science, sensor performance, and manufacturing capabilities. Key players such as Ushio OPTO Semiconductors Inc., DOWA Electronics Materials Co., Ltd., Lite-On Inc., Everlight Electronics Co. Ltd., and EPILEDS collectively account for approximately 53.9% of the global market, indicating a semi-consolidated structure with a mix of global leaders and specialized regional manufacturers.
 

Market participants primarily compete on spectral performance, output efficiency, reliability, and integration capability across SWIR emitters and components. Leading companies focus on continuous innovation in compound semiconductor materials, wavelength optimization, and thermal management to address the evolving requirements of medical imaging, machine vision, optical sorting, and surveillance applications. Additionally, major players are investing in capacity expansion, vertical integration, and R&D partnerships to strengthen supply chain control and accelerate product development. Strategic collaborations with system integrators, camera manufacturers, and end-use industries are commonly adopted to expand application coverage and improve time-to-market. Smaller and specialized manufacturers remain competitive by targeting niche wavelength ranges, customized SWIR solutions, and application-specific designs, supporting innovation and maintaining competitive balance within the overall SWIR market.
 

Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Market Companies

Prominent players operating in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) industry are as mentioned below:

• Brightek (Europe) Limited
• DOWA Electronics Materials Co., Ltd.
• EPILEDS
• Epistar Corporation
• Everlight Electronics Co Ltd
• Excelitas Technologies Corporation
• High Power Lighting Corporation
• Kingbright
• Lextar Electronics Corporation
• Lite-On Inc.
• Lumileds
• Marktech Optoelectronics
• ON Semiconductor
• ROHM Semiconductor
• Ushio OPTO Semiconductors Inc.
• Vishay Intertechnology
• Wurth Electronics Inc.
   

· Ushio OPTO Semiconductors Inc.

Ushio OPTO Semiconductors Inc. is a leading player in the SWIR market with a market share of 17.6%. The company specializes in high-performance SWIR emitters and optoelectronic components for medical imaging, industrial inspection, and surveillance applications. Its competitive strength lies in advanced semiconductor technology, broad product portfolio, and continuous R&D investment in wavelength optimization and efficiency enhancements.
 

· DOWA Electronics Materials Co., Ltd.

DOWA Electronics Materials Co., Ltd. holds a market share of 13.4% in the global SWIR market. The company focuses on developing high-quality SWIR semiconductor materials and components for sensors and imaging systems. Its key advantages include robust materials engineering, precision manufacturing capabilities, and partnerships with system integrators to deliver reliable and application-specific SWIR solutions.
 

· Lite-On Inc.

Lite-On Inc. commands a market share of 9.2% and is recognized for its versatile SWIR LEDs and modules for industrial, medical, and security applications. The company emphasizes energy-efficient designs, consistent product quality, and advanced packaging technologies, positioning it as a leading provider of high-reliability SWIR components for diverse end-use industries.
 

Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Industry News

• In July 2024, Onsemi completed the acquisition of SWIR Vision Systems, a leader in colloidal quantum-dot (CQD) shortwave infrared (SWIR) technology. The acquisition aimed to integrate SWIR capabilities with onsemi’s CMOS sensors, enabling cost-effective, compact imaging systems with extended spectrum for industrial, automotive, and defense applications. The advanced sensors improved visibility through materials and challenging conditions, supporting machine vision, surveillance, food inspection, and autonomous vehicle imaging, while the SWIR team joined onsemi’s Intelligent Sensing Group.
   
• In February 2024, DOWA Electronics Materials announced the development of a high-efficiency SWIR LED chip series with the world’s highest efficiency in the 1,200–1,900 nm wavelength range. The 1 mm square chip delivers 170 mW at 1,350 nm and 45 mW at 1,900 nm, significantly improving analysis accuracy while reducing power consumption. Designed for applications in healthcare, agriculture, food analysis, and machine vision, the LEDs are available in 250 µm, 350 µm, and 1 mm sizes, enabling versatile use across miniaturized and high-power devices.
   

The shortwave infrared (SWIR) market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2022 – 2035 for the following segments:

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Market, By Spectral Range

• 700nm-850nm
• 850nm-950nm
• 950nm-1020nm
• 1020nm-2500nm

Market, By Power Output

• Below 1 W
• 1 W - 5 W
• Above 5 W

Market, By Application

• Medical
• Solar simulator
• Machine vision
• Optical sorting
• Biometrics
• Imaging
• Lighting
• Remote sensing
• Surveillance

Market, By End-User

• Aerospace & defense
• Automotive
• BFSI
• Consumer electronics
• Education
• Healthcare
• Industrial
• Retail
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa