Market Profile: Lifetime Fluorescence

Lifetime fluorescence is a significant niche market within the larger category of fluorescence spectroscopy. Although the current scope of application is fairly limited, the potential is quite significant. The range of competition in this area is fairly small, but is expanding.

In contrast, with conventional fluorescence, which analyzes the intensity of the fluorescent response of a sample, lifetime fluorescence measures the average time it takes for fluorescence to return to the ground state. The advantages over conventional fluorescence include consistency of fluorescence lifetimes and the ability to characterize the environment of an analyte.

Worldwide Lifetime fluorescence vendor share, 2006

The major applications for lifetime fluorescence currently are found in biological analysis and clinical diagnostics. Lifetime fluorescence also is used in conjunction with microscopy and imaging applications in the areas of biology and medicine, which often is referred to as fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). Other fields of application also are being explored in such diverse industries as semiconductors, coatings, cosmetics, and materials.

Horiba, which has built up its Jobin Yvon business with the acquisitions of the SLM-Aminco business in 2000 and IBH in 2003, is the clear leader in fluorescence lifetime instrumentation. Photon Technology International (PTI) is also a major competitor. The total market for lifetime fluorescence spectroscopy is estimated to be about $22 million in 2006, with annual growth in the 3%–4% range.

The foregoing data were extracted from SDi's market analysis and perspectives report entitled Edition Global Assessment Report, 9th Edition: The Laboratory Life Science and Analytical Instrument Industry, September 2006. For more information, contact Stuart Press, Senior Consultant, Strategic Directions International, Inc., 6242 Westchester Parkway, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90045, (310) 641-4982, fax: (310) 641-8851, www.strategic-directions.com.