X-Ray Detectors Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Type (Flat Panel [Digital, Retrofit] [Portable, Fixed], Computed Radiography, Charge Coupled, Line Scan) Application (Medical, Dental, Security, Industrial) - Global Forecast to 2031

The X-Ray Detectors Market was valued at $3.04  billion in 2023. This market is expected to reach $4.81  billion by 2031, from an estimated $3.23  billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

X-Ray Detectors Market Size & Forecast

The growth of this market can be attributed to several factors, including the growing geriatric population coupled with the rising prevalence of chronic diseases & respiratory infections, rising demand for X-ray imaging in industrial & security markets, growing adoption of digital X-ray detectors, and the increasing utilization of X-ray detectors for early diagnosis & clinical applications. Moreover, technological advancements in emerging markets and ongoing innovations in X-ray imaging systems with the potential to fulfill unmet needs are expected to offer growth opportunities for the players operating in this market.

X-Ray Detectors Market Growth Drivers

Rising Demand for X-Ray Imaging in Industrial & Security Markets

X-ray imaging is used for non-destructive testing (NDT) and manufacturing inspection in the food & beverage, automotive, aerospace, oil & gas, and nuclear industries. X-ray imaging is also used in security applications such as cargo & passenger screening for port, passenger, and border protection. The growth of X-ray detectors is due to factors such as increase in the number of airports, rising cargo volumes, increasing terror attacks, and the rising demand for NDT across various industries.

According to the International Air Transport Association, in 2021, the international traveler numbers were 27% of 2019 levels. This increased to 69% in 2022 and 82% in 2023 and is expected to increase to 92% in 2024 and 101% by 2025. Thus, the growing volume of passengers has highlighted the need for security measures at the airports, driving the demand for X-ray detectors.

Growing Adoption of Digital X-Ray Detectors

In recent years, digitalization has played a prominent role in the transformation of X-ray & medical equipment. Film-based and Computed Radiography (CR) plates are being replaced by fully digital X-ray detectors that require a lower radiation dose and provide high-quality images in a very short period. In addition, digital technology enables video capabilities, which has given rise to new applications, such as fluoroscopy, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and tomosynthesis. With this advancement, the adoption of digital detectors, especially flat panel detectors, is growing. Digital X-ray detectors are lightweight and compact and offer high image quality & throughput; they enable screening at much lower radiation doses and improve overall workflow at healthcare facilities. These digital flat panel detectors are equipped with data processing engines and carry their calibration files, which allows for the correction of images on panels. This on-panel image correction capability increases image transmission speed and reliability.

Additionally, manufacturers are launching new digital detectors specializing in long-length imaging and improving diagnosis. For instance, in May 2023, Varex Imaging Corporation (U.S.) launched the XRD 3131N digital X-ray detector that was introduced to address the growing need for faster and more high-paced electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing.

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X-Ray Detectors Market Trends

Advancements in Semiconductors

There have been numerous advancements in semiconductors used in X-ray detectors. Nowadays, the use of hybrid semiconductor detectors is gaining traction due to their growing requirement in high-energy, large-area X-ray imaging applications. New-generation hybrid methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite-based semiconductor detectors demonstrate low dark current under electric fields needed for high-sensitivity X-ray imaging applications. Additionally, fabricating X-ray detectors using organic-inorganic hybrid semiconductors such as bismuth oxide-sensitized organic semiconductors is also useful. They can provide broadband sensitivities, ultra-low dark currents, and low-voltage functionality.

Also, crystalline semiconductors are advantageous. Solid-state radiation detectors using crystalline semiconductors to convert radiation photons to electrical charges are highly detective and sensitive. A thin-film X-ray detector comprised of highly crystalline two-dimensional Ruddlesden-Popper phase layered perovskites fabricated in a fully depleted p-i-n architecture showed similar results. A high-quality layered perovskite thin film allows a low dark current to enable high sensitivity with improved detection limits.

X-Ray Emergence of Miniature and Dual Modality Detectors

Miniaturization of X-ray detectors is one of the current trends in this market. New X-ray detectors are less than 10 nanometers thick and are highly sensitive with rapid response times. They can be used for the real-time imaging of cellular biology. These detectors are made up of SnS nanosheets and possess high photon absorption coefficients, allowing them to be ultrathin with high sensitivity and rapid response times. Miniatured detectors can be used in compact X-ray systems that are portable, wireless, and/or used for field applications.

Apart from this, X-ray detectors with dual modalities (i.e., vision and touch) are considered an active-matrix platform for digital visuotactile examinations. These multiplexed detectors can distinguish between two adjacent objects that are 100 µm apart. These detectors can be used to gain internal and external information on target objects in the form of real-time digital images. Such innovations can help increase the demand for X-ray detectors, driving the growth of the market.

X-Ray Detectors Market Opportunity

Ongoing Innovations in X-Ray Imaging Systems with the Potential to Fulfill Unmet Needs

X-ray technology is the oldest form of non-invasive imaging. It can be used to view whole or partial structures, most often the bones. The ability of X-rays to penetrate the body allows for the non-invasive imaging of its internal structure. In particular, the technological importance of X-ray imaging has led to the rapid development of high-performance X-ray detectors and associated imaging applications.

In 2021, MARS Bioimaging's 3D color X-ray scanner was introduced in Europe at the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) in Switzerland. Clinical trials for the same were undertaken by MARS Bioimaging (New Zealand). This scanner allows for high-resolution imaging around metal implants and can distinguish many different types of tissues without using contrast agents.

As innovation is the prime necessity for the growth of any medical devices market, ongoing research activities related to X-ray detection technologies are expected to create growth opportunities in the coming years.

X-Ray Detectors Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Product: In 2024, the Flat-Panel Detectors Segment to Dominate the X-Ray Detectors Market

Based on products, the market is segmented into flat panel detectors, computed radiography detectors, charge-coupled device (CCD) detectors, and line scan detectors. In 2024, the flat panel detectors segment is expected to account for the largest share of 63.8% of the X-ray detectors market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the advantages offered by flat panel detectors in terms of higher spatial resolution, ease of use, portability, and a wide range of applications in dental radiology, mammography, orthopedic & surgical radiology, analytical radiology, and scientific radiology. Flat panel detectors are used in digital radiography (DR) for the conversion of X-rays to light (indirect conversion) or charge (direct conversion), which is then interpreted using a thin film transistor (TFT) array. FPDs are used for medical imaging (CT, X-rays, mammography) and in several extraoral imaging devices.

By Application: In 2024, the Medical Applications Segment to Dominate the X-Ray Market

Based on application, the market is segmented into medical, dental, security, industrial, and veterinary. In 2024, the medical segment is expected to account for the largest share of 59.3% of the X-ray detectors market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the rising cancer incidence, growing concerns due to oral health, and the rising burden of cardiovascular diseases.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Oral Health Status Report (2022), oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide. There has been a rise in the use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) systems that provide 3D information compared to 2D information provided by conventional X-rays. Many dental procedures such as implantation, bone grafting surgeries, and surgeries for tumors are now aided by CBCT. Thus, vendors are focusing majorly on manufacturing detectors for CBCT systems to enhance dental X-ray applications.

However, the security segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period 2024–2031. X-ray detectors are used for security applications such as air cargo screening, baggage screening, mail & parcel screening, vehicle screening, port & border protection, and personnel screening (body scanning). The growing volume of passengers is expected to increase the demand for security X-ray screening systems.

Geographical Analysis

By Geography: In 2024, North America to Dominate the X-ray Detectors Market

In 2024, North America is expected to account for the largest share of 33.4% of the X-ray detectors market, followed by Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. The large share of the segment is primarily due to the remarkably advanced healthcare industry with higher healthcare spending and adoption of innovative science & technology, favorable reimbursement scenarios, higher prevalence of chronic diseases with an expanding proportion of the aging population, and presence of leading players in the region.

According to the WHO, the number of new breast cancer cases is estimated to increase from 253,465 new cases in 2020 to 284,019 by 2030. Additionally, increased deployment of X-ray inspection systems by security agencies in strategic locations such as airports, border areas, and prisons to detect explosives, weapons, drugs, and contraband is expected to drive the demand for X-ray detectors.

However, Asia-Pacific is slated to register the highest CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period. This is attributed to factors such as the large elderly population living with chronic diseases, rising income levels leading to improving access to healthcare facilities, government initiatives to boost the healthcare sector, and the growing adoption of advanced medical technologies. Swift expansion of airports in India also offers opportunities for market growth. For instance, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), India is expected to overtake China and the U.S. as the world's third-largest air passenger market by 2030. This would lead to increased passenger traffic on airports, therefore, leading to an increased demand for x-detectors.

X-Ray Detectors Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios, geographic presence, and key growth strategies adopted in the last 3–4 years. Some of the key players operating in the X-ray detectors market are CareRay Medical Systems Co. (China), iRay Technology (China), Analogic Corporation (U.S.), FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation (Japan), Varex Imaging Corporation (U.S.), Trixell (France), Canon Inc. (Japan), Carestream Health, Inc. (U.S.), Konica Minolta, Inc. (Japan), Rayence Co., Ltd (South Korea), Agfa-Gevaert NV (Belgium), Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (U.S.), Vieworks Co., Ltd (South Korea), and Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. (Japan). As of 2023, Varex Imaging Corporation (U.S.), Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (U.S.), Canon Inc. (Japan), iRay Technology (China), Carestream Health, Inc. (U.S.), and Rayence Co., Ltd (South Korea) collectively hold a share of 40%-45% in the global X-ray detectors market.

X-Ray Detectors Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In July 2023, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (U.S.) launched the Rad-Xcam 1717, 1723, and 3030 detectors based on the radiation-hard IGZO sensor technology. These devices were introduced to address the demands and needs of industrial inspection and biomedical & scientific applications, providing compelling integrated cost advantages.
• In March 2022, Carestream Health launched the Lux 35 Detector, a glass-free cesium detector designed for the comfort of patients and radiographers as well. This detector offers better resolution and a reduced exposure dose as compared to gadolinium detectors.
• In November 2021, Spectrum Logic Limited (U.K.) launched 2824HS, a super-fast X-ray detector with an imaging area of 280 x 240 mm², while targeting CT and X-ray microscopy applications to provide high-resolution images.
• In July 2021, Varex Imaging Corporation (U.S.) launched the LUMEN 4336W digital radiography detector with an IP68 rating. This product has increased water ingress resistance and an integrated inductive charger that allows wireless charging.

X-Ray Detectors Market Research Summary:

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