Near Infrared Light Glossary of Terms

Meta description

Our Near Infrared Light Glossary of Termsis decodes the "science-heavy" words that can intimidate non-tech persons and build trust in the technology.

1. Photobiomodulation (PBM)

This is the formal scientific name for light therapy.

Photo (Light) + Bio (Life) + Modulation (Change).
It refers to the use of non-ionizing light sources to elicit a beneficial biological response in the body.

2. Mitochondria

Often called the "powerhouse of the cell."

These are tiny organs or organelles in the cell that take in nutrients and create energy. Near-infrared light specifically targets the mitochondria to make them work more efficiently.

3. Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

The "Energy Currency" of your body.

Every time you move a muscle or think a thought, your body spends ATP. NASA discovered that NIR light increases ATP production, giving your cells the "cash" they need to repair damage faster.

4. Cytochrome C Oxidase (CCO)

The specific protein inside your mitochondria that acts as the "receiver" for light.

Think of CCO as a solar panel inside your cells. When near-infrared photons hit this protein, it kicks off the energy production process.

5. Irradiance (Power Density)

How "strong" the light is.

Measured in milliwatts per square centimeter ( $mW/cm^2$ ). If irradiance is too low, the light won't reach the deeper tissues. NASA-grade devices prioritize high irradiance.

6. Fluence (Energy Dose)

The total amount of energy delivered to the skin over time.

Measured in Joules per square centimeter ( $J/cm^2$ ).
Formula: $Irradiance \times Time = Fluence$ . This is why "time spent" under the light matters as much as "how strong" the light is.

7. Nanometer (nm)

The unit used to measure the wavelength of light.

For example, 660nm is visible red light, while 850nm is invisible near-infrared light. The number tells you exactly how the light will interact with your body.

8. The Biphasic Dose Response

The "Goldilocks Principle" of light therapy.

It states that there is an optimal dose of light. Too little does nothing, but too much can actually be less effective (or even counterproductive).

9. EMF (Electromagnetic Fields)

The invisible energy radiation that comes from electronic devices.

High-quality NIR panels are designed to be Low-EMF so that your body only receives the healing light waves without the potential stress of electrical interference.

10. Pulsing (Frequency)

The act of turning the light on and off very rapidly (thousands of times per second).

Some research suggests that "pulsed" light can penetrate deeper or prevent the tissue from over-heating, though NASA’s original studies mostly used "Continuous Wave" (steady) light.