Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Imaging modalities with resolution smaller than the wavelength of visible
light have been available for many decades. However, recent years have seen
enormous growth in the variety of systems and their availability and
accessibility. New variations on older modalities have extended the range of
types of applications for which these systems are suited. For example, the
first atomic force microscope was invented in 1986 as a materials research
tool. Today, with the addition of different scanning modes, it has become
useful in the imaging of biological samples and the determination of their
physical properties. Tissue and even single cells have been studied by AFM.
Improvements in the imaging modalities have also been made possible by the
development of a new generation of probe reagents. Nanoparticle probes and
quantum dots have opened up new terrain in multi-spectral imaging. They have
expanded the utility of existing imaging systems by providing highly specific
and noninvasive tags.
SCOPE OF STUDY
This report contains:
- Descriptions of imaging equipment and technologies for examining
materials, electronics, and biological samples
- The current U.S. market status of molecular, nanoscale and atomic imaging,
by segment, through 2012
- Technological issues, including novel molecular, nanometer and atomic
imaging capabilities
- An examination of research activities and areas of interest related to
imaging applications.
INFORMATION SOURCES
This report has been assembled following an in-depth analysis of primary and
secondary data. Primary research was conducted via telephone interviews with
industry professionals, research scientists, technicians and laboratory heads
to discover the most recent developments in their fields of interest.
Secondary data was collected via a comprehensive search of the scientific,
peer-reviewed literature, conference proceedings, industry trade media,
company websites, annual reports and industry press releases.
The market assessments provided have been assembled based on publicly
available information from January 2002 up to and including May 2007. The base
year for this report is 2007 and forecast data are provided through 2012. In
many cases, figures for 2006 were not yet released and in these cases figures
were extrapolated from 2006 statistics, first quarter projections for 2007,
and historical trends between 2002 and 2007. Market figures are based on
current dollars and inflation is not computed into the projection figures.
ANALYST' S CREDENTIALS
Amy Brock, Ph.D. has over 12 years of research experience at the interface of
the biological sciences, bioengineering, and biophysics. Trained at the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, she holds a B.S.
and Ph.D. in biomedical science
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