According to "RGB-094N Advanced Glasses and Glass Ceramics: Materials, Processing, New Developments," an updated report from Business Communications Co., Inc. (BCC), the North American market for advanced and specialty glasses reached $2.3 billion in 2002. This market is expected to grow at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 7.8% per year to reach $3.3 billion by 2007. The global market was estimated at $8.5 billion in 2002, and is expected to grow at an AAGR of 8.3% to $12.6 billion in 2007. The use of advanced glasses varies widely. Major applications include optical fibers used for telecommunications, substrates for electronic displays, thick film packaging and substrates, optical disc substrates, aerospace and high-performance composites, medical and dental implants, and radiation shielding.

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