JUNE 4, 2010 - ElectroniCast Consultants, a market research and technology forecast consultancy addressing the fiber optics communications industry, has released a new market forecast of the global consumption of optical isolators, used in communication applications.

The forecast is segmented according to two major package types: free-space and in-line (fiber-to-fiber) optical isolators, passive devices that allow light to be transmitted in one direction.

“In 2009, the fiber-to-fiber (in-line/pigtail) optical isolators held a 66 percent relative market share of global consumption; however, it is important to note that the in-line isolators are priced much higher than the free-space optical isolators. In terms of volume the number of units, the free-space optical isolators will maintain a substantial lead in market share (2009-2014),” says Stephen Montgomery, president of International Business at ElectroniCast.

“The American region held the lead in terms of consumption value of optical isolators in 2009, with 44 percent; however, the APAC region is forecast to increase at a faster rate in terms of annual growth (2009-2014). The Asia Pacific region is forecast to increase in worldwide market share in 2014 with 38 percent in optical isolator value,” Montgomery adds.