Biometrics Infrared LED Market By Wavelength Type (850 nm, 940 nm, Others); By Application (Facial Recognition, Iris Scanning, Vein Pattern Recognition); By End User (Consumer Electronics, Banking & Finance, Government, Healthcare, Automotive); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Biometrics Infrared LED Market is expected to be valued at $526.4 million in 2024 and is projected to reach approximately $1.12 billion by 2030 , expanding at a CAGR of 13.2% during the forecast period, confirms Strategic Market Research.

 

Infrared LEDs are playing a bigger role in biometric authentication — especially in facial recognition, iris scanning, and vascular pattern recognition. They’re embedded in everything from consumer smartphones to secure access systems in defense and enterprise environments. The growing demand for contactless authentication and always-on security is pushing more industries to adopt these infrared components in their biometric systems.

 

What’s driving this surge? A few big forces are converging.

First, there’s the global push for higher-security authentication systems, particularly in banking, airports, and border control. Traditional password systems are being phased out. Second, consumer devices — especially smartphones and wearables — are standardizing features like face and iris recognition, many of which rely on near-infrared light. The race toward smarter, more privacy-respecting hardware is on.

 

On the supply side, advancements in gallium arsenide (GaAs) and aluminum gallium arsenide ( AlGaAs ) materials have significantly improved the performance of NIR LEDs. They’re now more compact, energy-efficient, and better integrated with CMOS-based camera systems. This makes them attractive for embedded solutions in constrained environments.

 

Security regulations and digital ID mandates in emerging economies are also creating tailwinds. Countries in Asia and the Middle East are ramping up investments in e-passports and biometric smart cards — technologies that often rely on infrared-based imaging. Meanwhile, AI-powered facial recognition systems are becoming increasingly common in public infrastructure, where IR LED arrays provide illumination in low-light or night-time conditions.

 

Key stakeholders shaping this market include infrared LED manufacturers , biometric system integrators , OEMs in mobile and security hardware , government ID authorities , and venture-backed AI startups developing proprietary facial and iris recognition engines.

 

From enterprise security suites to embedded automotive systems, the relevance of this market is only going to grow. As biometric infrastructure continues to expand beyond high-security domains into everyday consumer and workplace tools, infrared LEDs are quietly becoming foundational components behind the scenes.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The biometrics infrared LED market breaks down along four main lines: wavelength type , application , end user , and region . Each plays a distinct role in shaping where demand is headed — and how fast.

By Wavelength Type:

Infrared LEDs used in biometric systems typically fall between 700 nm and 950 nm , with the sweet spots being:

• 850 nm LEDs – Most widely used, particularly in facial recognition systems and camera-based biometric modules.

• 940 nm LEDs – Gaining favor for their “invisible to human eye” advantage, making them ideal for consumer electronics and covert surveillance.

In 2024, 850 nm will account for over 58% of market share , thanks to its compatibility with existing CMOS image sensors and lower cost. That said, 940 nm LEDs are projected to be the fastest-growing sub-segment , especially in premium consumer devices and automotive biometrics, where visible illumination is a no-go.

 

By Application:

Applications include:

• Facial Recognition

• Iris Scanning

• Vein Pattern Recognition

• Voice Assistance with IR Proximity Sensors

Facial recognition continues to dominate usage, driven by widespread integration in mobile phones, access control panels, and smart home security systems. Iris scanning is gaining traction in high-security sectors like government ID programs, healthcare, and defense .

 

By End User:

We’re seeing adoption from a variety of sectors, but the key verticals include:

• Consumer Electronics (phones, wearables)

• Banking & Finance

• Defense & Government

• Healthcare

• Automotive

Among these, consumer electronics holds the largest market share in 2024 — over 40% — given the sheer scale of smartphone manufacturing and smart home integration. However, defense and healthcare are expected to grow faster , thanks to regulatory funding, critical access needs, and data privacy concerns.

 

By Region:

Geographic segmentation includes:

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East & Africa)

We’ll go deeper on regional outlooks in Section 5, but for now — Asia Pacific is the epicenter of growth. OEM activity in China, biometric innovation in South Korea, and government e-ID initiatives in India are driving a rapid ramp-up. Meanwhile, North America remains a mature but innovation-rich hub, especially in AI integration and smart city deployments.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

Infrared LED tech in biometrics is riding a serious innovation curve — not just in hardware miniaturization, but in how it integrates with AI, materials science, and edge processing.

 

Let’s start with R&D. Manufacturers are pouring resources into narrow-bandwidth infrared LEDs that emit with greater spectral purity. Why does that matter? Because biometric systems — especially iris and vein scanners — depend on signal accuracy in low-light or reflective environments. Cleaner emission leads to sharper imaging, better matching, and fewer false rejections. Some labs are even exploring dual-band IR LEDs that can toggle between 850 nm and 940 nm, optimizing for environment and application.

 

Another key trend is around AI-enhanced biometric recognition . The LED component might seem simple — just emit light, right? — but the ecosystem around it is evolving fast. Facial recognition algorithms are now being trained with synthetic IR datasets, allowing them to perform better in dark or variable lighting. This means next-gen systems can depend less on visible light and more on consistent IR illumination, improving accuracy while preserving privacy.

 

On the materials front, GaAs and AlGaAs substrates are being optimized to improve thermal performance, lifespan, and emission stability. This is especially relevant in edge devices — think wearables or in-car biometrics — where small size and low power draw are non-negotiable.

 

We’re also seeing a big rise in modular NIR LED arrays , especially in consumer-grade sensors. These plug-and-play modules are now small enough to fit inside smart doorbells and AR headsets. As smart homes and extended reality devices scale up , infrared biometrics will follow closely behind.

 

Strategically, a few partnerships are worth noting. Several IR LED makers have teamed up with mobile OEMs and 3D sensing algorithm providers to offer integrated facial recognition packages. These bundled solutions simplify deployment for device brands, cutting down time-to-market. There’s also movement in the automotive sector, where infrared-based driver monitoring systems are gaining attention as ADAS compliance standards tighten in Europe and Japan.

 

One subtle but growing trend: privacy-first designs . Manufacturers are now promoting NIR-based authentication systems as more privacy-friendly than visible light systems. Since IR light can’t record color or fine visual detail, it’s harder to misuse for surveillance purposes. This messaging could prove powerful in markets with stricter data laws.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The biometrics infrared LED space is competitive, but not overcrowded. It’s a strategic mix of global optoelectronic giants, sensor module makers, and a few stealthy niche innovators. Most players are focused on integration — not just component sales — making partnerships and product ecosystems just as important as raw performance.

Osram Opto Semiconductors

A heavyweight in infrared components, Osram leads the pack in high-efficiency 850 nm and 940 nm LEDs. Their strength lies in quality control and deep integration with biometric camera systems. Osram has focused heavily on mobile and automotive partnerships , embedding IR LEDs into driver monitoring systems and smartphone facial recognition modules. The company is also investing in IR laser diodes for next-gen 3D sensing.

 

LITE-ON Technology Corporation

Known for its cost-effective, scalable solutions, LITE-ON plays strongly in the consumer electronics segment. It supplies NIR emitters to several major smartphone OEMs and smart door lock manufacturers. Their advantage? Streamlined production and pricing flexibility for mass-market integration.

 

Everlight Electronics

Everlight has carved out a niche in short-range biometric sensing, especially in time-of-flight and gesture recognition modules. Their LEDs are often bundled with photodiodes, making them plug-and-play for developers. They’ve also made moves in automotive-grade IR LED systems, eyeing in-cabin biometric monitoring as a growth area.

 

Nichia Corporation

Nichia , more widely known for visible LEDs, is building its infrared portfolio with a focus on durability and miniaturization. It’s targeting industrial and high-end mobile use cases. Nichia’s strength is in thermal management and reliability — traits that matter in mission-critical biometric deployments.

 

Vishay Intertechnology

A longtime player in IR emitters and detectors, Vishay is pivoting toward integrated sensing modules. While not dominant in mobile, the firm serves industrial and medical applications with precision IR components. Its push toward higher-wavelength LED tech positions it well for future iris and vein recognition systems.

 

ROHM Semiconductor

ROHM is blending biometric IR LEDs with machine vision and automotive AI. While smaller in footprint than Osram or LITE-ON, it’s gaining ground through embedded partnerships in Japan and South Korea, particularly for healthcare and elder-care monitoring systems.

 

TriLumina

A startup-turned-acquisition target, TriLumina made waves with its VCSEL-based IR emitters used in facial recognition and LiDAR. While not yet a top-5 vendor, its vertical-cavity technology offers performance advantages in 3D sensing and structured light applications.

Across the board, differentiation is happening in form factor, efficiency, and integration — not just raw IR output. Companies that bundle their IR LEDs with intelligent software or camera modules are winning more design slots.

Expect continued M&A as bigger semiconductor players look to fill gaps in their biometric portfolios.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

Adoption of infrared LEDs in biometric systems is spreading fast, but the dynamics vary sharply across regions. Market maturity, regulatory pressure, and manufacturing capacity all play into how these components are being used — and where they’re gaining the most ground.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is the clear frontrunner. Countries like China , South Korea , and India are driving demand, each for different reasons. In China, biometric authentication is embedded in everything from subway turnstiles to mobile payment apps. Local smartphone giants like Xiaomi and Oppo are integrating IR-based facial recognition modules across mid-tier and premium devices.

In India , government initiatives like Aadhaar and digital banking expansion are accelerating demand for infrared-enabled biometric kiosks and ID verification systems. There’s a strong push for rural access to digital identity services — many powered by facial or iris recognition.

South Korea’s edge lies in high-end hardware and AI. Local companies are pairing IR LEDs with advanced facial analytics in sectors like retail and smart cities. Japan, while slower, is building momentum through automotive biometric systems and elder-care technology.

 

North America

In North America, especially the U.S. , adoption is being led by enterprise, defense , and smart consumer tech. Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft all use some form of IR-based biometrics — either in phones, doorbell cameras, or enterprise access control. There’s also significant investment from the federal side, particularly around TSA programs, border control, and contactless identity verification.

That said, privacy regulations like CCPA and ongoing litigation over facial data use are slowing down broader rollouts. So while the technology is advanced, deployment is measured and tightly governed.

 

Europe

Europe is catching up, but cautiously. Countries like Germany and France are building out national e-ID programs that rely on biometric IR components. Public transport, banking, and healthcare are the most active verticals.

At the same time, GDPR and related privacy frameworks are forcing companies to bake in transparency and data protection from the start. Biometric device vendors here must often explain not just how the IR system works, but how it complies with consent and usage limits.

One interesting use case is in the UK , where hospitals are piloting infrared-based facial access for restricted medication storage — reducing staff time and minimizing risk of misuse.

 

LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa)

Growth here is promising but uneven. In the Middle East , especially UAE and Saudi Arabia , there’s a surge in smart government services and surveillance infrastructure — both of which depend on IR biometric sensors. Dubai, for example, is rolling out iris-based airport gates using 940 nm IR LEDs.

In Africa , adoption is slower. Infrastructure challenges persist, but digital ID projects in Nigeria and Kenya show potential. The main limitation? Access to affordable and durable biometric hardware.

Latin America is showing steady demand from banking and fintech, especially in Brazil and Mexico , where biometric ATMs and IR facial login are gaining traction.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

Infrared LED-based biometrics are being adopted across multiple industries — each with its own drivers, concerns, and speed of implementation. While the core tech is consistent, the reasons for adoption often vary widely.

Consumer Electronics

This is the dominant end-user segment. Smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and even AR/VR headsets increasingly include facial or eye-tracking capabilities powered by near-infrared LEDs. Major OEMs are integrating 940 nm IR emitters to enable facial unlock, attention tracking, and proximity sensing. The push for screen-based payments and privacy-first authentication is making this feature non-negotiable in high-end devices.

 

Banking & Finance

Biometric authentication in fintech is rapidly becoming the norm, especially in regions like Asia and Latin America. IR LEDs enable frictionless face scans that can be used for KYC compliance, secure mobile banking logins, and ATM withdrawals. With cyber threats rising, biometric verification using IR facial mapping adds an extra layer of security without compromising UX.

 

Government & Defense

Public sector interest is accelerating — especially in national ID programs, passport control, and border management. These applications demand high reliability in varied lighting conditions, making IR illumination essential. Defense applications go a step further, using IR-based face or iris authentication for facility access and tactical identity verification in the field.

 

Healthcare

Hospitals and clinics are beginning to integrate facial recognition powered by IR LEDs into patient check-in systems and secure drug access stations. The appeal? Contactless, hygienic authentication that reduces administrative overhead. Some systems even use IR depth mapping to verify caregiver presence during sensitive procedures.

 

Automotive

Biometric access is just entering the car. IR LEDs are being used in driver monitoring systems (DMS) to track attention, drowsiness, and even identity for personalized cabin settings. As in-vehicle safety standards evolve in Europe and Asia, more OEMs are embedding IR-based facial or eye detection into their infotainment stacks.

 

Real-World Use Case:

A large tertiary hospital in Seoul deployed a facial authentication system powered by dual 850 nm and 940 nm IR LED arrays. The system was installed in both the outpatient wing and restricted pharmaceutical storage zones. Results? Check-in time per patient dropped by 38%, while access control errors for staff medications fell to near zero. The LEDs provided reliable performance even under mixed indoor lighting — a common cause of biometric failure in earlier visible-light systems.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Past 2 Years)

• Osram expanded its OSLON Black series with a new high-power 940 nm infrared LED designed for 3D facial recognition and in-car driver monitoring systems. This move positions the company closer to the automotive and AR/VR markets.

• LITE-ON partnered with a major smartphone OEM to deliver compact NIR LED modules with enhanced power efficiency for under-display facial authentication in flagship devices.

• Everlight Electronics launched an IR LED with integrated photodiode aimed at gesture recognition in home automation systems. It offers real-time object detection with better ambient light resistance.

• TriLumina’s VCSEL technology was acquired by a leading LiDAR developer, signaling cross-pollination between biometric facial recognition and autonomous driving.

• Japanese automaker pilot-tested in-cabin biometric DMS using 850 nm IR LEDs and AI-based drowsiness analytics in a select range of EVs.

 

Opportunities

• Rising demand for contactless security in post-COVID workflows
  Touch-free authentication is now expected in many settings — from workplaces to retail kiosks. IR LEDs are powering systems that work in darkness, through glass, and across skin tones.

• Growing adoption of biometrics in automotive and healthcare
  As driver monitoring and telemedicine platforms scale up, there's a growing need for embedded IR LED modules that are compact, energy-efficient, and medically safe.

• Government-led digital ID rollouts in Asia and Africa
  National ID programs are pushing facial and iris recognition as default identity layers, often using IR systems that don't rely on visible light conditions.

 

Restraints

• High integration cost for industrial-grade applications
  While IR LEDs themselves are inexpensive, the cost of designing and validating complete biometric systems remains high for use in critical settings like airports or hospitals.

• Privacy concerns and biometric data regulation
  As facial and iris data becomes more widely captured, regulators and consumers are pushing back. Vendors must build in consent frameworks, edge processing, and compliance with regional data laws like GDPR.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 526.4 Million
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 1.12 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 13.2% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Wavelength Type, By Application, By End User, By Geography
By Wavelength Type	850 nm, 940 nm, Others
By Application	Facial Recognition, Iris Scanning, Vein Pattern Recognition
By End User	Consumer Electronics, Banking & Finance, Government, Healthcare, Automotive
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., UK, Germany, China, India, Japan, Brazil, UAE, South Korea
Market Drivers	• Contactless authentication post-COVID • AI-integrated biometric systems • Government-backed digital ID initiatives
Customization Option	Available upon request