Despite the down economy, there are positives if you look past the popular "doom-and-gloom" headlines. For example, the MEMS market continues its upward trek, according to research firm In-Stat/MDR (Scottsdale, Ariz.). In-Stat [instat.com] reports good and better news. First, every major market has now embraced MEMS technology. Mature segments, In-Stat adds, will see relatively low compound annual growth rates (CAGRs). In markets such as communications and consumer, however, MEMS has just begun to scratch the surface. Note that worldwide MEMS revenues are forecast to grow from $3.9 billion in 2001 to $9.6 billion in 2006. In-Stat says a shift from sensor-driven revenues to non-sensor-driven revenues continues. In 2001, non-sensor devices comprised nearly one-third of total MEMS revenues. By 2006, however, they will account for almost half.
ASPs on the Rise Also, average selling prices (ASPs) for MEMS will actually increase 25 percent over the next five years, as more expensive, non-sensor devices enter the market. Unit shipments will double over the next five years from 1.85 billion units in 2001 to 3.61 billion units in 2006. This is the result of the introduction of new devices and the emergence of new applications. The communications and consumer sectors should enjoy the highest CAGRs, based on revenues, through 2006, at 151.4 percent and 42.2 percent, respectively. However, the computer market will remain one of the largest revenue-generating segments, moving from second place in 2001, to first place in 2006. Nanotech Center Wins Approval The move to things ever smaller was boosted with the announcement that Sandia and Los Alamos (Albuquerque and Los Alamos, N.M.) National Laboratories will jointly receive $75.8 million for the design and construction of buildings to house the practical, yet visionary, Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT). The Office of Science of the U.S. DoE approved funding for two new buildings: a joint core facility in Albuquerque and a smaller gateway building in Los Alamos. Through these facilities, researchers from industry and universities will have access not only to the CINT equipment, but to the resources of the two labs, as well.
CINT is one of five new Nanoscale Science Research Centers being created by the Office of Science. Investment in these centers is the largest current national investment into the U.S. scientific infrastructure, with $500 million authorized for 2001 and $620 million for 2002. According to John Browne, Los Alamos' director, a revolution has begun in science and technology based upon the ability to organize, manipulate and measure the properties of matter on the nanometer length scale. "In the short term, the new facility should offer new ways to develop sensors, satellites and security measures to support our nuclear deterrent. In the long term, it could change our lives in ways people can't even begin to imagine." [sandia.gov]
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