10 ESSENTIALS: 03 – Wavelengths + Nanometers

The Science of Wavelength

Wavelength is one of the most important variables in photobiomodulation (PBM). Measured in nanometers (nm), wavelength describes the distance between successive peaks of a light wave.

The light we can see is only a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Visible light occupies approx. 400 to 780 nm; ultraviolet falls below the visible range, while infrared extends beyond it.

But wavelength is much more than a measurement of color. Wavelengths interact differently with biological tissue and can be absorbed by different chromophores. This is why selecting a wavelength is not simply a matter of choosing red, blue or infrared light. (1,2)

The PRO VX incorporates six specific wavelengths: 405 nm violet, 470 nm blue, 520 nm green, 635 nm red, 670 nm bright red, and 808 nm infrared.

Together, they create a spectrum designed to provide different optical and biological interactions within one laser system.

Beyond Red Light

Red and near infrared wavelengths receive much of the attention in PMB, but the science of light extends beyond them. Shorter visible wavelengths – including violet, blue and green – have also been investigated for their interactions with biological chromophores and photochemical processes.

Cellular Regeneration

Light + Mitochondria + ATP

One of the most studied areas of PBM is the interaction between light and cellular energy processes.

Mitochondria produce much of the cell's adenosine triphosphate (ATP), through a series of reactions involving the electron transport chain. ATP provides usable energy for cellular activity.

PBM research investigates how light absorbed by chromophores can influence mitochondrial activity, cellular signaling, and ATP production. Red and near-infrared wavelengths have received particular attention
for interactions involving mitochondrial biological chromophores, including cytochrome c oxidase, while shorter visible wavelengths can interact with other light-absorbing molecules, including flavins and porphyrins.(1,2) This helps explain why wavelength selection matters.

Different wavelengths can interact with different light absorbing molecules and biological processes.

Why 6 Wavelengths?

Many PBM devices focus primarily on red and near-infrared light. The Blue Honest PRO VX laser system brings together 405, 470, 520, 635, 670, and 808 nm across 15 true laser diodes.

Rather than relying on a narrow portion of the spectrum, the PRO VX incorporates wavelengths with different characteristics and biological interactions into a broader full spectrum design. This range makes wavelength one of the defining characteristics of the PRO VX.

Research & References

(1) Zein R, Selting W, Hamblin MR. Review of light parameters and photobiomodulation efficacy: dive into complexity. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8355782/

(2) Jenkins PA, Carroll JD. How to Report Low-Level Laser Therapy/Photomedicine Dose and Beam Parameters in Clinical and Laboratory Studies. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3288797/