Global Eye-Safe IR Laser Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Solid-State Lasers, Fiber Lasers, Semiconductor Lasers, Gas Lasers, and Others), By Application (LIDAR, Range Finding, Medical, Military & Defense, Industrial, and Others), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2025 - 2035

Global Eye-Safe IR Laser Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The Global Eye-Safe IR Laser Market Size Was Estimated at USD 420.50 Million in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 7.85% from 2025 to 2035
• The Worldwide Eye-Safe IR Laser Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 965.40 Million by 2035
• North America is expected to grow the fastest during the forecast period.

According to a research report published by Spherical Insights and Consulting, The Global Eye-Safe IR Laser Market Size was worth around USD 420.50 Million in 2024 and is predicted to grow to around USD 965.40 Million by 2035 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.85 % from 2025 to 2035. Opportunities in the eye-safe IR laser market include growing defense investments in safe, high-precision laser technology, rising demand for LiDAR in smart infrastructure, expanding autonomous vehicle usage, and improvements in medical imaging.  

Global Eye-Safe IR Laser Market Forecast and Revenue Outlook

• 2024 Market Size: USD 420.50 Million
• 2035 Projected Market Size: USD 965.40 Million
• CAGR (2025-2035): 7.85%
• Asia Pacific: Largest market in 2024
• North America: Fastest growing market

Market Overview

The development, manufacture, and distribution of laser systems operating at wavelengths that usually exceed 1400 nm in the mid- to far-IR spectrum, where eyelid and lens absorption minimizes retinal damage, make them safe for incidental human eye exposure in accordance with international standards such as IEC 60825-1. This market is known as the eye-safe IR laser market. These lasers are appropriate for use in military, telecommunications, medical diagnostics, industrial sensing, and autonomous cars as they are designed to reduce the possibility of retinal injury during exposure.   Increased demand for laser-based sensing and imaging technologies across industries like defense, healthcare, and autonomous cars, supported by stricter safety requirements and technological developments, is driving the industry's impressive expansion trajectory. The increasing use of LiDAR systems, especially in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and driverless vehicles, is one of the main drivers of the eye-safe IR laser market.  The eye-safe IR laser market expansion is also being driven by the spread of smart infrastructure and the incorporation of LiDAR in environmental monitoring and urban planning.    

Key Market Insights

• Asia Pacific is expected to account for the largest share in the eye-safe IR laser market during the forecast period.
• In terms of type, the fiber lasers segment is projected to lead the eye-safe IR laser market throughout the forecast period
• In terms of application, the LIDAR segment captured the largest portion of the market

Eye-Safe IR Laser Market Trends

• Growing need for safe-range, secure laser systems in military and defense applications.
• Increased use of LiDAR technology for safer environmental sensing and autonomous cars.
• Expansion in the use of eye-safe lasers for fast data transfer in telecommunications.
• Growing application in industrial sensing and medical diagnostics because of its non-invasive, eye-safe qualities.
• Growing R&D expenditures were directed at increasing power outputs and wavelength ranges while preserving eye safety.
• Compact and portable devices are made possible by developments in laser efficiency and downsizing. 

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the eye-safe IR laser market based on various segments and regions, forecasts revenue growth, and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyzes the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the eye-safe IR laser market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies, such as expansion, type launch, development, partnership, merger, and acquisition, have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyzes their core competencies in each sub-segment of the eye-safe IR laser market.  

Driving factors

Eye-safe infrared lasers, particularly those with wavelengths between 1400 and 1600 nm, are now considered essential by automakers place a high priority on safety and accuracy in navigation. The growing use of these lasers in healthcare and medical applications is another important factor propelling the global eye-safe infrared lasers market. Innovation is also being aided by the combination of AI-driven analytics and laser-based sensing, which allows for increased resolution, range, and dependability in applications that require unwavering safety requirements. Defense and military applications are still another important driver of the eye-safe IR laser market.   

Restraining Factor

High production costs, intricate manufacturing procedures, strict regulations, a lack of awareness in some industries, and technical difficulties in maintaining performance while guaranteeing eye safety are some of the factors that restrict the eye-safe infrared laser market. 

Market Segmentation 

The global eye-safe IR laser market is divided into type and application.

Global Eye-Safe IR Laser Market, By Type:  

• The fiber lasers segment dominated the market in 2024 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period.      

Based on type, the global eye-safe IR laser market is segmented into solid-state lasers, fiber lasers, semiconductor lasers, gas lasers, and others. Among these, the fiber lasers segment dominated the market in 2024 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. Fiber lasers' excellent beam quality, energy efficiency, and strong thermal control are driving their quick ascent in the eye-safe IR laser market. These fiber lasers are especially appealing for industrial and medical applications because they use optical fibers doped with rare-earth elements to generate high output powers while minimizing heat generation.      

The solid-state lasers segment in the eye-safe IR laser market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) lasers are being widely adopted in the commercial and defense sectors due to their continued development, which has further improved efficiency and decreased operating costs.  

Global Eye-Safe IR Laser Market, By Application:

• The LIDAR segment accounted for the largest share in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.     

Based on application, the global eye-safe IR laser market is segmented into LIDAR, range finding, medical, military & defense, industrial, and others. Among these, the LIDAR segment accounted for the largest share in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. LiDAR is a prominent application that uses eye-safe infrared lasers for object detection and high-resolution, three-dimensional mapping. Navigation, obstacle avoidance, and environmental sensing have all been transformed by the incorporation of LiDAR into robotics, drones, and driverless cars.

The military & defense segment in the eye-safe IR laser market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.  The demand for eye-safe infrared lasers is still high due to military and defense applications, especially in fields like target identification, secure communications, and night vision.    

Regional Segment Analysis of the Global Eye-Safe IR Laser Market

• North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico) 
• Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)
• South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America) 
• The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)

Asia Pacific Eye-Safe IR Laser Market Trends

Asia Pacific is expected to hold the largest share of the global eye-safe IR laser market over the forecast period.  

The Asia Pacific area is supported by strong defense modernization investments, fast industrialization, and the spread of smart manufacturing technology. Leading nations in the development of laser technology include China, Japan, and South Korea, backed by robust government programs, large research ecosystems, and a booming manufacturing sector. The Mk-II(A) eye-safe Directed Energy Weapon, which prioritizes ocular safety and targets drones and missiles, was successfully tested by India's DRDO in April 2025.  

China Eye-Safe IR Laser Market Trends

The growing demand in the defense, telecommunications, and autonomous vehicle industries is driving the China eye-safe IR laser market's notable expansion. At the Victory Day celebration on September 3, 2025, the Ministry of National Defense announced the LY-1 directed-energy laser system, a 1550 nm eye-safe platform that can improve maritime security by interfering with drone and missile sensors on board naval ships. 

Japan Eye-Safe IR Laser Market Trends

The market for eye-safe IR laser in Japan is expanding steadily due to high demand from industries such as industrial automation, telecommunications, defense, and medical diagnostics.  The 10 kW Vehicle-Mounted High-Power Laser Demonstration System, which includes eye-safety interlocks for counter-unmanned aerial vehicle operations, was unveiled by the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency at DSEI Japan 2025.  

North America Eye-Safe IR Laser Market Trends

North America is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the eye-safe IR laser market during the forecast period.  

The region's development is supported by a developed technological environment, a robust presence of top laser manufacturers, and a well-established automotive industry that uses LiDAR and cutting-edge driver-assistance technologies. In August 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense, through the Army's Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, announced plans to allocate $150 million in fiscal 2026 financing for a 2026 manufacturing contract awarding high-energy, vehicle-mounted eye-safe infrared lasers for counter-drone defense.   

U.S Eye-Safe IR Laser Market Trends

The market is growing as a result of the U.S. government's large spending in secure communication networks and defense technologies. The U.S. Army validated energy-based air defense prototypes in July 2025 by conducting live-fire trials of laser guns at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In August 2025, the Army's C5ISR Center improved electro-optical defenses by advancing laser defeat advances. 

Canada Eye-Safe IR Laser Market Trends

The defence, aerospace, and environmental monitoring industries' developments are driving the steady growth of the Canada Eye-Safe Infrared (IR) Laser Market. The need is being driven by government investments in research and technology, as well as growing usage in autonomous systems and industrial applications, despite cost and limited domestic production capacity issues.

Competitive Analysis:  

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the global eye-safe IR laser market, along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their type of offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborate analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes type development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

Worldwide Top Key Players In The Eye-Safe IR Laser Market Include

• Thorlabs, Inc.
• Alpes Lasers SA
• Lumibird Group
• NKT Photonics A/S
• MKS Instruments, Inc.
• Lumentum Holdings Inc.
• Frankfurt Laser Company
• Laser Components GmbH
• IPG Photonics Corporation
• Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
• Excelitas Technologies Corp.
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• Others    

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting And Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Recent development

• In June 2025, the U.S. Army has launched a ground breaking live-fire exercise at Fort Sill, integrating directed energy (DE) laser weapons with traditional systems. This marks a major advancement in air defense capabilities, targeting evolving aerial threats such as unmanned aircraft systems with cutting-edge laser technology. 
• In July 2023, SCANOLOGY, a leading 3D measurement company, has launched its latest innovation, the iReal M3 Color 3D Scanner, part of the new iReal M Series (M for Master). Equipped with advanced dual infrared lasers, the iReal M3 offers high performance at an affordable price. Designed for ease of use and broad material compatibility, it brings professional 3D measurement within everyone’s reach.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at the global, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the eye-safe IR laser market based on the following segments:

 Global Eye-Safe IR Laser Market, By Type

• Solid-State Lasers
• Fiber Lasers
• Semiconductor Lasers
• Gas Lasers
• Others

Global Eye-Safe IR Laser Market, By Application

• LIDAR
• Range Finding
• Medical
• Military & Defense
• Industrial
• Others

Global Eye-Safe IR Laser Market, By Regional Analysis

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa