Our Glossary
Enlightening... Yes that's a pun.
Nanometres (nm)
Nanometers are a unit of measurement used to quantify wavelengths of light.
e.g. 660nm, 830nm
Milliwatts Per Square Centimetre (mW/cm²)
Milliwatts per square centimetre is a unit of measurement used to quantify the intensity of light at specific distances.
For Red Light Therapy this is most importantly used to measure irradiance.
Wavelengths
Wavelengths refer to the different nanometre depths available in Red Light Therapy. Certain wavelengths of red and near-infrared (NIR) light are especially effective, falling within what’s known as the “therapeutic window” (600nm - 1000nm). These wavelengths optimally penetrate your skin and tissues, offering the biological benefits Red Light Therapy is known for.
Irradiance
Irradiance is commonly expressed as mW/cm² (milliwatts per square centimetre).
E.g. >160 mW/cm². It’s important to note, this number only tells part of the story—distance matters. Some devices may show a high irradiance at the surface but drop off dramatically at standard treatment distances. To ensure you’re getting the best from your therapy, irradiance is usually measured at 6 inches (15.2cm), which is the standard treatment & measurement distance for our panels.
Cells
Cells are the basic building blocks of all living organisms. Every part of your body—from your muscles to your skin—is made up of cells. In Red Light Therapy, light energy penetrates the cells to stimulate their natural healing processes, enhancing recovery and performance.
Mitochondria
Mitochondria are known as the “powerhouses” of the cell. They produce energy in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), which powers nearly every function in your body. Red Light Therapy helps boost the activity of mitochondria, leading to more energy production and faster recovery.
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
ATP is the primary energy carrier in all cells. It provides the energy your cells need to perform their functions—everything from repairing tissue to muscle contraction. Red Light Therapy increases the production of ATP in your cells, accelerating the healing and recovery process.
UV Radiation
UV (Ultraviolet) radiation is a type of light energy that comes from the sun and some artificial sources like tanning beds. Unlike red and near-infrared light, UV light can cause skin damage, sunburn, and even increase the risk of skin cancer. Red Light Therapy uses non-ionising light, which is completely different from UV radiation, making it safe for your skin and body.
Photon
A photon is the basic unit of light. In Red Light Therapy, photons deliver energy to your cells, kick-starting their natural repair processes.
ELF - EMF
ELF (Extremely Low Frequency) EMF (Electromagnetic Fields) refers to the type of electromagnetic fields ranging from 1Hz to 300Hz. Our panels are designed to emit ELF-EMF ensuring your therapy remains both safe and effective.
You'll get more radiation from your phone which typically operate between 450Hz - 2700Hz ranges.
Watts (W)
Watts measure the total power consumption of a Red Light Therapy device. A higher wattage typically means more energy is used to produce the light, but it doesn’t necessarily mean a stronger therapeutic effect. The combination of wattage with the right wavelength and irradiance is what makes the difference in results.
Hertz (Hz)
Hertz (Hz) is the unit of frequency, measuring how often something occurs per second. In Red Light Therapy, Hertz is sometimes used to describe how frequently a light pulses. For continuous light (non-pulsing), the Hertz rate is constant, but in pulsed light therapy, different Hertz settings may target different types of treatment or tissue.
Beam Angle
Beam Angle is all about how the light spreads from the panel. Picture the light coming out in a cone shape—the wider the angle, the more area it covers, but the intensity fades faster over distance. A narrower beam, on the other hand, covers less area but delivers more concentrated power even as you move further away.
Most LEDs naturally emit light at around 120 degrees, but we use specific lenses and reflectors to control the beam and focus it at a 30° angle for optimal light penetration at a comfortable distance from the panel.
Near-Infrared (NiR)
Near-Infrared light falls on the spectrum just beyond visible red light. It penetrates deeper into the body than red light, reaching muscles, joints, and even bones. NiR is commonly used for deeper tissue repair and pain relief.
What’s the difference between NIR and Infrared light?
Near-Infrared (NIR) refers to wavelengths between 700nm and 1000nm, while Infrared light covers a broader range (up to 1 millimeter). Infrared light, particularly at longer wavelengths, primarily generates heat and is used in devices like heat lamps or saunas. NIR, on the other hand, delivers therapeutic benefits without generating excessive heat, making it better suited for Red Light Therapy.
The Therapeutic Window
This term refers to the range of wavelengths (600nm - 1200nm) that have been found to be the most beneficial in Red Light Therapy. These specific wavelengths penetrate your skin at the right depths to stimulate your cells and bolster your bodies recovery without causing harm.
LED
LEDs are the light sources used in red light therapy panels. They emit light at specific wavelengths, ensuring targeted and efficient therapy.
Dual Chip LEDs
Dual chip LEDs use two light-emitting diodes per unit to increase the intensity and versatility of the light. This means stronger light output and more efficient treatment, allowing for a combination of wavelengths from a single LED for enhanced Red Light Therapy benefits.
Single Chip LEDs
Single chip LEDs contain just one light-emitting diode per unit, focusing on a single wavelength. These are highly effective at delivering targeted treatment at specific depths of tissue but don’t have the added versatility of dual chip LEDs.
Photobiomodulation
Photobiomodulation is the scientific term for using light to modulate biological processes in the body. In Red Light Therapy, PBM refers to how red and near-infrared light stimulates cells to increase energy production and accelerate healing, reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair.
Essentially Red Light Therapy is photobiomodulation.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
LLLT, or Low-Level Laser Therapy, is a form of light therapy similar to red light therapy. It uses lasers rather than LEDs to deliver therapeutic light energy. Both LLLT and Red Light Therapy are non-invasive and promote healing, but LEDs are typically safer for home use as they are gentler than lasers.
Both therapies typically operate within the same wavelength range of 600nm - 1200nm meaning one is not typically more effective than the other.
Flicker-free
Flicker-free means the light from your Red Light Therapy panel is consistent and doesn’t rapidly turn on and off (at a rate imperceptible to the human eye). Flickering can sometimes cause eye strain, headaches, or discomfort. Our panels are designed to use flicker-free LEDs to ensure a comfortable, relaxing experience during every session.
Pulse Frequency
Pulse frequency refers to how often the light pulses during a therapy session. Some Red Light Therapy devices can pulse the light, alternating between on and off states. Pulsed light may be beneficial for certain types of treatments, such as deeper tissue repair. This is not the same as flickering light.
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