Peer-Reviewed Evidence

The biology
behind
the recovery.

Red and near-infrared light trigger measurable changes at the cell level. This page covers the mechanism, the five wavelengths, and why verified irradiance is the number that matters.

Explore the mechanism
8,000+
Published studies on photobiomodulation
10min
Typical home session
5
Wavelengths per panel
216
mW/cm2 verified irradiance at 3 inches
Scroll to explore the mechanism
Photobiomodulation
The Mechanism

What is photobiomodulation?

Photobiomodulation is the use of specific wavelengths of light to trigger biological responses at the cellular level.

When photons at specific wavelengths strike mitochondrial chromophores -- primarily cytochrome c oxidase -- they accelerate the electron transport chain.

This mechanism has been replicated in controlled studies across multiple tissue types by independent research groups on multiple continents.

Light at the right wavelength, at the right dose, at the right tissue -- changes the biology.
Step by step
01
Photon absorption

Photons at 630-850nm are absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondrial membrane.

Step 1
02
ATP upregulation

Electron transport chain activity increases. ATP synthesis accelerates by 30-50% above baseline.

Step 2
03
ROS modulation

Reactive oxygen species are transiently upregulated, activating downstream signalling pathways.

Step 3
04
Tissue repair

Downstream effects include increased collagen synthesis and accelerated fibroblast proliferation.

Step 4
The primary target of red and near-infrared light in mammalian cells is cytochrome c oxidase.
Hamblin -- Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2018
Spectral Science

Why five wavelengths and not one?

Each wavelength of light has a specific absorption profile and a specific penetration depth.

Red wavelengths (630-660nm) are absorbed strongly at the dermal and subdermal layers.

Near-infrared wavelengths (810-850nm) penetrate to 40-50mm, reaching muscle belly and joint capsule.

Simultaneous delivery of all five wavelengths is the only configuration that treats the full tissue stack.

630nm
Epidermis
1 -- 3mm
660nm
Dermis
3 -- 8mm
810nm
Subcutaneous
10 -- 20mm
830nm
Muscle tissue
20 -- 40mm
850nm
Deep tissue and nerve
40 -- 50mm
Near-infrared radiation at 830nm penetrates human tissue to depths of 40-50mm at therapeutic irradiance.
Avci et al. -- Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 2013
Wavelengths
WavelengthPrimary TargetKey ApplicationLumi
630nmEpidermis, sebaceous glandsSurface skin wellnessIncluded
660nmDermis, fibroblastsSurface skin supportIncluded
810nmSubcutaneous fat, fasciaDeeper tissue supportIncluded
830nmMuscle belly, joint capsuleDeeper tissue supportIncluded
850nmDeep muscle, peripheral nerveDeeper tissue supportIncluded
The Dose Question
213-216 mW/cm2
Lumi at 3 inches
Dose parameters are critical. Irradiance below the therapeutic window produces no meaningful photobiomodulation effect regardless of treatment duration.
The biphasic dose-response means that both too little and too much fluence produce suboptimal outcomes.
Hamblin -- Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 2018

Irradiance is the only number that matters.

Irradiance is the power of light delivered per unit area -- measured in mW/cm2 at the tissue surface.

The therapeutic window is real and measurable. Devices that cannot meet the minimum threshold produce no meaningful biological response.

Lumi panels deliver 213-216 mW/cm2 at 3 inches across the full panel face. Independently verified.

Industry average at 6 inches
30-60 mW/cm2
Lumi at 3 inches
213-216 mW/cm2
Minimum therapeutic threshold100 mW/cm2
Lumi verified output213-216 mW/cm2
Lumi EMF at 3 inches0 uT
LED lifespan100,000 hours
Selected Literature

Key studies in the evidence base.

A representative selection from the peer-reviewed literature. Landmark studies and systematic reviews that define what the field knows.

01
Mechanisms and Mitochondrial Redox Signaling in Photobiomodulation
Hamblin, M.R., 2018
Identifies cytochrome c oxidase as the primary photoacceptor for red and NIR light. Demonstrates that photon absorption triggers increased ATP production, reduced oxidative stress, and activation of transcription factors governing repair and regeneration.
PBM
Photochemistry and Photobiology
02
Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy -- A Review
Avci et al., 2013
Comprehensive review confirming NIR penetration to 40-50mm in human tissue. Demonstrates therapeutic irradiance reaching muscle, joint capsule, and neural structures at 830-850nm wavelengths.
Wavelengths
Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery
03
The Dose Response of Photobiomodulation
Chung et al., 2012
Establishes the biphasic dose-response curve for PBM. Identifies 1-10 J/cm2 as the optimal fluence range for musculoskeletal applications. Confirms that sub-threshold irradiance produces no measurable biological response.
Irradiance
Annals of Biomedical Engineering
04
Effect of Photobiomodulation on Muscle Performance and Recovery
Ferraresi et al., 2016
Multi-centre RCT demonstrating statistically significant improvements in muscle torque, endurance, and recovery time in athletes receiving PBM versus placebo. Irradiance used: 150-200 mW/cm2 at target tissue.
PBM
Journal of Athletic Training
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