Light as a biological signal
A technical reference for physiotherapists, osteopaths, sports coaches and other practitioners evaluating Lumnae panels — wavelength mechanisms, real device settings, and the research literature, with device type (LED vs. laser) always stated plainly.
What is photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation (PBM) — also called low-level light therapy — is the application of specific red and near-infrared wavelengths to tissue to influence cellular activity. Unlike thermal lasers, PBM works at non-thermal intensities; effects are photochemical, not heat-driven.
The cellular mechanism
The primary photoreceptor for PBM is cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), Complex IV of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. CCO absorbs photons in the red and near-infrared range — the best-established starting point for PBM's downstream effects.
Photon absorption by CCO → increased electron transport chain activity → elevated ATP production → downstream cellular signalling → gene expression changes linked to repair and anti-inflammatory activity.
A secondary mechanism is nitric oxide release from CCO, supporting localised vasodilation and microcirculation. A third — most relevant to near-infrared wavelengths — is deeper tissue penetration through an "optical window," where skin, fat and even bone absorb minimally, letting photons reach muscle, joint and connective tissue.
The 9 wavelengths
Each wavelength interacts with different chromophores at a different tissue depth. Tap a wavelength for depth, target layer, and the research behind it.
Why practitioners use Lumnae panels
Different specialties reach for different parts of the spectrum. This describes typical use by practice area — not a claim that the device treats any specific diagnosis.
Body zone targeting guide
Click any zone for recommended wavelengths, protocol, distance and session parameters.
7 expert protocols
Actual intensity (%) per wavelength for each preset, as programmed on the device.
The Sleep preset omits 810/830/850/1060nm. NIR reaches deep tissue and can feel activating; Sleep uses only visible red/amber wavelengths at a longer working distance for a lower-stimulation evening session.
These three presets share the exact same wavelength/intensity profile (see table below). They're differentiated by recommended working distance and target area, not by wavelength mix — Muscle Recovery and Fat Loss at 15–20cm/10–15cm over larger areas, Joint Pain closer and more localised. Session timer and distance guidance are what change, not the light itself.
Custom mode — 4 personalised slots
Beyond the 7 presets, the panel has 4 fully programmable slots — each wavelength set independently (0–100% intensity, 0–10,000Hz pulse), saved permanently.
See 14 reference configurations in the Custom Protocol Guide →Pulse frequency
Pulse cycles light on and off at a set frequency (0–10,000Hz), independently per wavelength.
Dosage, distance & frequency
PBM follows a biphasic dose-response — the Arndt-Schulz principle. Too little energy under-stimulates; too much can plateau or reduce the effect.
Example: 160 mW/cm² for 600s (10 min) ÷ 1000 = 96 J/cm². The touchscreen shows session time only — calculate J/cm² manually to compare against literature.
Irradiance at 15cm: 160 mW/cm² · Skin: 10–15cm · Deep tissue/joint: 15–25cm · Scalp: 10–20cm · Max per zone/8h: 20 min · Frequency: 3–7×/week
Selected clinical research
The wavelength panels above link directly to the most relevant single study per wavelength. Below is the fuller reading list — expand for details.