World Laser Market Grew 20 Percent in 1997-98

Continued strength in telecommunications and materials processing drove the world market for laser sources from DM4.5 billion in 1997 to DM5.4 billion in 1998. The highest growth rates for laser sources were in materials processing (21 percent) and in information technology and consumer electronics (23 percent), according to Optech Consulting in Bissengen, Germany.

Sales of complete laser systems, meanwhile, also enjoyed robust growth. The entire world market grew from DM83.3 billion in 1997 to DM97 billion last year. Laser systems used in telecommunications, which include transmitters and repeaters but not waveguides, grew 22 percent, from DM9.8 billion to DM12 billion in 1998.