Near Infrared Light Wavelengths Discovered By NASA

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Discover the different wavelengths of near infrared light and the depths to which they penetrate.

Discover more about near infrared light research.

Introduction

NASA's research identified that different wavelengths penetrate to different depths, making them effective for specific types of healing.

A key takeaway from NASA’s collaboration with the Medical College of Wisconsin was that wavelength (color) and energy density are the two most critical factors. If the wavelength is too short, it doesn't reach the target tissue; if the energy is too low, the biological "switch" doesn't turn on.

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NASA’s Optimal Wavelength Breakdown

NASA specifically targeted the "Optical Window" (600nm to 1000nm), where light can pass through skin and blood with minimal interference to reach deep tissues.

Target Treatment	NASA Recommended Wavelengths	Why it works
Surface Skin & Wounds	630 nm – 680 nm (Visible Red)	Absorbed quickly by the upper layers of skin. It stimulates collagen and speeds up the closure of surface lacerations.
Deep Tissue & Muscle	830 nm – 880 nm (Near-Infrared)	These invisible waves bypass the skin and penetrate up to 23 cm into muscle and bone to reduce inflammation and stimulate deep repair.
Cellular "Turbo" Mode	Combination (670, 720, 880 nm)	NASA's "HEALS" technology uses a triple-wavelength approach. This combination was found to quintuple DNA synthesis in fibroblasts and muscle cells.

NASA’s Specific Findings on Recovery

• Muscle Atrophy: NASA found that NIR light could help prevent the bone and muscle loss that astronauts face in zero gravity. In their studies, skeletal muscle cells grew 140–170% faster when treated with 880 nm light.

• The "Energy Dose": NASA discovered that the best results happened at an energy density of 4 to 8 Joules per $c{m}^2$. This is roughly equivalent to holding a high-quality LED device against the skin for about 60–90 seconds.

• Synergy with Oxygen: One of NASA’s most advanced findings was that light therapy works even better when combined with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). The light helps the cells use the extra oxygen more efficiently to rebuild tissue.

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The "WARP 10" Legacy

Because of these findings, NASA helped develop the WARP 10 (Warfighter Accelerated Recovery by Photobiomodulation). It was designed for soldiers to carry in their pockets to treat:

1. Immediate First Aid: To keep minor injuries from becoming debilitating infections.

2. Pain Relief: Temporarily increasing local blood circulation to soothe "deep" pain like arthritis or muscle spasms.

3. Chronic Wounds: Treating non-healing sores in diabetic patients or those with poor circulation.