Beyond the Visible

The insights of visible light effects on human health have led to the emergence of ‘human-centric’ lighting. The health effects of far-red or near-infrared (NIR) light are less known (in the lighting community). These effects, called ‘photobiomodulation’ are mostly employed in therapeutic devices for wound healing or pain relief. However, a double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical study shows that photobiomodulation is a systemic effect: generally healthy people that are exposed to NIR light benefit from improved health and well-being. Unfortunately, indoors we are deprived of NIR light. Consequently, there is a need for NIR light sources that provide people indoors with the right dose of NIR light in an energy-efficient way to improve their health and well-being.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize the difference between natural light and indoor illumination: look at wavelengths and intensities beyond the visible spectrum.
• Understand the biological effect of near-infrared light on cell-level and what health benefits are scientifically proven for healthy people exposed to near-infrared light.
• Understand the different perspective that is needed to think about invisible yet healthy light, as opposed to visible light.
• Identify the most favorable design or use case to deliver the right dose of near-infrared light in the most energy- and cost-effective way.