THE SCIENCE BEHIND BRAINLUME

What Is tPBM?

tPBM stands for transcranial photobiomodulation.

It is a light-based approach studied for how near-infrared light interacts with the head and cellular energy processes, without heat or strong stimulation.

Light-Based

Uses specific wavelengths of near-infrared light.

Transcranial

Light is designed to pass through the scalp and skull.

Photobiomodulation

Studied for how light interacts with cellular energy pathways.

Non-Thermal

Operates in a low-sensation, non-thermal range.

LIGHT · CELLS · ENERGY

What Happens Beneath the Surface?

From light delivery to cellular energy and signaling—the research rationale behind photobiomodulation.

  1. Light Delivery

    Six windows direct pulsed 810nm light toward the scalp. A portion can pass through the scalp and skull, with light intensity decreasing as it travels through tissue.

    Light Delivery — conceptual illustration

  2. Mitochondrial Interaction

    PBM research examines how light interacts with cytochrome c oxidase and other pathways associated with mitochondrial function.

    Mitochondrial Interaction — conceptual illustration

  3. Energy & Signaling

    These interactions are studied in relation to ATP production, oxygen use, nitric oxide signaling and downstream cellular responses.

    Energy & Signaling — conceptual illustration
Explore the Research

WHAT A SESSION FEELS LIKE

Subtle by Design

You may feel little or no sensation during a session. Some users notice mild warmth near the light windows. Both experiences can be normal.

Sensation alone does not indicate light output or individual results. Track how Brainlume fits into your routine over time.

Brainlume wearable near-infrared light headset

What You Can Track

  • Time to wind down

  • Sleep continuity

  • Next-day clarity

  • Afternoon fatigue

  • Focus after daytime sessions

  • Overall calmness

CHOOSE YOUR RHYTHM

Gamma for Day, Alpha for Night

Choose 40Hz Gamma for daytime clarity or 10Hz Alpha for evening wind-down.

Compare Day and Night modes
Brainlume headset with Day and Night pulse modes

Day Mode · 40Hz Gamma

For focus and clarity

  • Screen-time reset
  • Reading, planning or focused work
  • Daytime recharge

Night Mode · 10Hz Alpha

For wind-down and recovery

  • Before bed
  • After a mentally busy day
  • A quiet evening routine

Shared Across Both Modes

  • 810nm NIR
  • 50% duty cycle
  • Same optical output
  • 20-minute sessions

The optical output stays the same. Only the pulse frequency changes.

20 min

TIMED FOR CONSISTENCY

Why 20 Minutes?

Consistent light delivery. Built for your daily rhythm.

A preset 20-minute session keeps your light routine consistent and easy to repeat, whether you choose daytime focus or evening wind-down.

With the same optical output and 50% duty cycle in both modes, this duration corresponds to approximately 103.8 J/cm² per window at the light-delivery surface.
Session
20 minutes
Total Avg. Output
≈0.54 W
Avg. Output / Window
≈90 mW
Exposure / Window
≈103.8 J/cm²

QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

Still Curious?

Understand the light, choose your mode, and know what to expect.

Shop Brainlume View All FAQs
What is tPBM?

Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) applies red or near-infrared light to the head and is studied for its effects on cellular activity and brain function. Brainlume uses 810nm near-infrared light for daily brain wellness sessions.

How does Brainlume work?

Brainlume delivers near-infrared light through six light windows using 10Hz or 40Hz pulses at a 50% duty cycle. Each window provides approximately 180 mW peak optical output and 90 mW time-averaged output.

What should I feel?

You may notice mild warmth or very little sensation. A strong sensation is not required for light delivery, and how a session feels does not indicate the amount of light reaching brain tissue.

Which mode should I choose?

Choose 40Hz Day Mode (Gamma) for daytime focus and mental recharge, or 10Hz Night Mode (Alpha) for evening wind-down. Both modes use the same wavelength, optical output, and 20-minute session duration. Only the pulse frequency changes.

Why a 20-minute session?

A preset duration keeps each full session consistent and easy to repeat. At Brainlume’s defined optical output, 20 minutes corresponds to a calculated exposure of approximately 103.8 J/cm² per window at the light-delivery surface.A preset duration keeps each full session consistent and easy to repeat. At Brainlume’s defined optical output, 20 minutes corresponds to a calculated exposure of approximately 103.8 J/cm² per window at the light-delivery surface.

Is Brainlume a medical device?

Brainlume is designed for general brain wellness. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.