NORWALK, CT—A report, “RGB-312 Microscopy,” from Business Communications Company Inc. estimates the 2004 global market for microscopes and accessories at $1.65 billion. With an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 11%, the report estimates the market to reach $2.77 billion by 2009.

Microscope sales, excluding accessories, will approach $2.5 billion by 2009, according to the report, yielding an AAGR of 11.6%. With an expected 40% share, charged particle microscopes will have the largest share of the market. Scanning probe microscopes are expected to reach the highest AAGR through 2009 at 20%.

While life sciences dominated the end-user market in 2003, nanotechnology and semiconductor manufacturing are the fastest-growing end-user markers, according to the report. By 2009, the semiconductor industry is expected to account for 56% of the charged particle microscope market vs. 22% for life sciences.