SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 20 -- The use of harsh-environment fiber optic components maintained steady growth during 2001-2002, but, the global consumption of conventional and commercial fiber optic component use dropped drastically, according to ElectroniCast Corp., a forecaster for the fiber optic, optoelectronic and photonic industries. "Harsh-environment components typically are ordered only for committed use, so inventory fluctuations are minor," said Jeff Montgomery, ElectroniCast chairman and founder. "The shipments value trend of commercial components was discouraging, due to the strong buildup of inventory in 1999-2000, and the corresponding drastic inventory 'draw-down' in 2001-2002." An ElectroniCast study, The Harsh-Environment Fiber Optics Components Global Market Forecast, defines harsh environment as an environment beyond the limits normally encountered by commercial telecommunications, data communication and intra-equipment fiber data links, such as extreme temperature, shock and vibration, radio-frequency interference, radiation, or rough handling. The global consumption of harsh-environment fiber optic components will climb from $508 million in 2000 and $1.19 billion in 2003 to $2.31 billion in 2007, according to the study. The market value is dominated by military/aerospace-qualified components, with a 76 percent share in 2000, which will expand to 79 percent, or $1.82 billion, by 2007. Harsh-environment components are used in a variety of applications. ElectroniCast said the leading consumption application will be the military and aerospace aircraft/spacecraft segment, with a 34 percent share in 2000 declining to 29 percent or $699 million by 2008. Commercial/industrial fiber optic component consumption is dominated by plastic optical fiber links, it said. For more information, visit: www.electronicast.com