NIR-Enhanced LED Technology
The goal of near-infrared enhanced LED lighting is to help restore some of the infrared (IR) energy from artificial lighting that was lost when solid-state lighting emerged as a dominant player in the lighting industry. It is well known that sunlight delivers almost 55% of its total radiated energy as IR. The near-infrared (NIR) component of the solar spectrum is particularly useful in providing the energy needed by various lifeforms at the cellular level. All living organisms including the human body appear to use NIR energy in various biological and chemical processes. NIR light is able to penetrate into the inner layers of the skin, and almost 3 inches deep in some cases. Therefore, NIR energy can reach muscles, nerves and even bones. Medical studies have shown that NIR light can even help in healing certain inflammatory conditions and repairing damage to the retina caused by ultraviolet and blue light. The effects of NIR light on the mitochondria (the bio cell powerhouse) have been compared to recharging a cell’s battery.
Unfortunately, conventional LED lighting technologies were developed with the aim of maximizing visible light, as perceived by the human eyes. This is determined by the daytime photopic or nighttime scotopic eye sensitivity curves. While the light cones within the human eyes are not sensitive to infrared, the rest of the body still absorbs and utilizes a significant part of the invisible IR energy.
Using proprietary phosphor-converted LED technology, we can produce light fixtures and LED devices with enhanced near-infrared without compromising color quality or energy efficiency. In many cases, commercial LED fixtures can be converted to produce NIR light, in addition to visible. The LED bulb shown below not only delivers the NIR energy needed by the human body but also has low blue content similar to the solar spectrum at sunset. This helps regulate the circadian rhythm enabling the human body to achieve deeper and healthier sleep at night time.
A conventional LED bulb converted into NIR-enhanced zero blue warm light using proprietary phosphor technology