Research finds that LED can replace laser as a method of transmitting near-infrared light

According to reports, Hanli Liu, a professor of bioengineering at the University of Texas at Arlington, is working to improve the memory and cognitive functions of astronauts in space missions by illuminating the astronauts' brains.

It is reported that she and Jacek Dmochowski, assistant professor of bioengineering at the City University of New York, received a $800,000 grant from NASA to study light-based technologies to increase the available energy of astronauts' brain cells and improve the performance of astronauts.

Her job is to study how to use lasers to provide near-infrared light to the human brain to detect symptoms of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. Recently her work has been extended to study the neurophysiology of non-invasive transmission of near-infrared lasers. Principles to improve human cognition. The study taught people how light stimulates mitochondria and produces more oxygen in the brain to increase brain metabolism and reduce memory loss.

With funding for this new project, she will investigate whether LEDs can replace lasers as a means of transmitting near-infrared light. Specifically, she wanted to find the wavelength range and duration needed to produce the desired effect.

In general, lasers are heavy and bulky, taking up too much space in the narrow space of a spacecraft or space station. LEDs are lighter and smaller and can be more easily mounted on headbands or similar devices. In addition, LEDs are safer to the human eye than light from a laser.

LED light in the red and near-infrared range has been widely used to relieve pain and treat acne, but few researchers have rigorously studied the feasibility and limitations of promoting and stimulating brain metabolism.

“The researchers have evidence that memory can be improved after 8 to 10 minutes of exposure to specific areas of the human brain,” she said. “We are demonstrating that if we can increase the power of LEDs at a safe level, we can Make the LED light reach the cortex like a laser, but it's safer, smaller, and easier to use."