Lumix Therapy Lasers
High-power superpulsed Class 4 systems (obsolete since ~2017)
Important Notice
ColdLasers.org no longer sells Lumix laser systems. We stopped carrying this product line around 2017. This page is provided for historical and educational purposes only—for practitioners researching superpulsed laser technology or those evaluating used equipment.
About Lumix Therapy Lasers
Lumix stood out in the therapy laser market by offering high duty-cycle superpulsed systems that delivered both high peak power AND high average power—a combination most superpulsed lasers couldn't achieve. Their unique approach bridged the gap between traditional low-power superpulsed lasers and high-power Class 4 continuous wave systems.
The company produced two main product lines: the Series 2 (superpulsed only) and Series 3 (superpulsed + continuous wave combined). These systems were significantly larger than competing superpulsed lasers due to the cooling requirements needed to maintain high duty cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a superpulsed laser?
A superpulsed laser delivers extremely short bursts of high-intensity light rather than continuous output. This allows for very high peak power (measured in watts) while keeping the average power low enough to prevent tissue heating. The pulsing happens so fast (thousands of times per second) that energy penetrates deeply without thermal damage.
What made Lumix different from other superpulsed lasers?
Most superpulsed lasers (like TerraQuant or TheraLase) operate at very low duty cycles—meaning the laser is "off" most of the time. Lumix used a high duty-cycle approach, keeping the laser "on" for longer periods. This delivered both high peak power (up to 250W) AND high average power (up to 5W)—something competitors couldn't match. The tradeoff was larger size and more complex cooling systems.
What is the difference between peak power and average power?
Peak power is the maximum output during a pulse (e.g., 250W). Average power is the total energy delivered over time, accounting for the off periods between pulses. A laser with 250W peak power but a 2% duty cycle only delivers 5W average power. Lumix's high duty cycle meant their average power was much higher than typical superpulsed systems.
Is 910nm a good wavelength for therapy?
910nm falls within the "therapeutic window" (roughly 600-1000nm) where light can penetrate tissue effectively. It's particularly good for deeper penetration. However, 910nm is less common than 808nm or 810nm, which have more published research supporting their use.
What about Lumix systems with 1064nm wavelength?
Later Lumix models incorporated 1064nm wavelength. However, independent research suggests wavelengths above 860nm are better for tissue heating than photobiomodulation therapy. The 1064nm wavelength falls outside what many researchers consider the optimal therapeutic window. We recommend asking any 1064nm vendor for non-financial evidence supporting that wavelength for therapy applications.
Can I still buy a Lumix laser?
New Lumix systems may still be available from other distributors, but we stopped carrying the line around 2017. Used units occasionally appear on the secondary market. If purchasing used, verify the system's condition, diode hours, and understand that support may be limited.
How does superpulsed compare to continuous wave (CW) Class 4?
Superpulsed lasers deliver high peak power safely without tissue heating, allowing unattended treatment. CW Class 4 lasers deliver continuous high power but require constant motion to prevent burns. The Lumix Series 3 combined both technologies—superpulsed for depth and CW for surface energy—attempting to offer the best of both worlds.
Understanding Superpulsing Technology
The physics of superpulsing is straightforward: by concentrating energy into extremely short pulses, you can achieve very high instantaneous power without generating heat. The tissue receives intense photon stimulation during each pulse, then has time to dissipate any thermal energy before the next pulse arrives.
Most superpulsed lasers use such low duty cycles (laser "on" time vs total time) that their average power is negligible—often not even specified. Lumix's innovation was pushing the duty cycle higher while managing the heat through more sophisticated cooling. This allowed practitioners to achieve therapeutic dosages in reasonable treatment times while still benefiting from the deep penetration of superpulsing.
Lumix Product Line (Historical)
Series 2: Superpulsed Only
High duty-cycle superpulsed systems at 910nm. The larger enclosures (compared to competitors) reflected the advanced cooling needed for sustained high-power operation.
45W peak power, 330mW average. Compact and mobile. Entry-level superpulsed.
Was ~$13,000100W peak power, 2.5W average. Mid-range system for most clinical applications.
Was ~$20,000250W peak power, 5.0W average. Maximum superpulsed output available.
Was ~$25,000Series 3: Superpulsed + Continuous Wave
Combined superpulsed 910nm with continuous wave 808nm for dual-wavelength therapy. Floor-standing units designed for unattended operation.
100W peak superpulsed (910nm) + 3.2W continuous wave (808nm).
Was ~$29,000250W peak superpulsed (910nm) + 3.2W continuous wave (808nm). Flagship model.
Was ~$36,000Original Features
Variable pulsing rates allowed practitioners to customize treatment protocols for different conditions and tissue depths.
User-friendly display with 23-28 built-in programs covering the entire body. Not a touchscreen, but straightforward navigation.
Included web application expanded available protocols to over 150 conditions with a dynamic laser protocol generator and therapy timer.
Create and save your own treatment programs for specific patients or conditions.
Despite larger size, included cart or integral wheels for moving between treatment rooms.
The combined superpulsed/CW approach was safe enough for unattended therapy sessions—a rarity for Class 4 systems.
Technical Specifications
⚠️ Note on 1064nm Wavelength
Newer Lumix models incorporated 1064nm wavelength alongside or instead of 910nm. Based on independent research, we have concerns about 1064nm for photobiomodulation therapy:
Research suggests wavelengths above 860nm are more effective for tissue heating than photobiomodulation. The 1064nm wavelength falls outside what many researchers consider optimal.
We have not found non-financial research supporting 1064nm for therapy applications. Ask any vendor promoting this wavelength for independent evidence.
Wavelengths in the 800-860nm range have stronger research backing for photobiomodulation effects.
Lumix vs. Other Superpulsed Lasers
Lumix (High Duty-Cycle)
- Up to 250W peak power
- Up to 5W average power
- High duty cycle operation
- Therapeutic dosage in reasonable time
- Series 3 adds CW capability
- Larger, requires more cooling
Standard Superpulsed (Low Duty-Cycle)
- Similar peak power claims
- Very low average power
- Low duty cycle operation
- Long treatment times needed
- Superpulsed only
- Compact, less cooling needed
The key differentiator was Lumix's high duty cycle, which delivered actual therapeutic dosages rather than just high peak power numbers.
Considerations for Used Buyers
We stopped carrying Lumix around 2017. Current manufacturer status and support availability is unclear. Verify before purchasing.
The high duty-cycle design required sophisticated cooling. Used units may have wear on these systems that's difficult to assess.
Superpulsed diodes running at high duty cycles may degrade faster than standard diodes. No way to verify remaining lifespan without testing.
The expanded protocol library relied on a web application. Verify this service is still active and accessible.
Replacement parts and service for obsolete systems can be difficult or impossible to obtain.
Originally Marketed Applications
- Joint conditions
- Spinal issues
- Deep muscle therapy
- Hip and shoulder treatment
- Chronic pain conditions
- Neuropathic pain
- Post-surgical recovery
- Inflammatory conditions
- Athletic injuries
- Tendon/ligament repair
- Muscle recovery
- Performance optimization
- Equine therapy
- Large animal treatment
- Companion pets
- Post-operative care
Exploring Therapy Laser Options?
We carry current Class 4 and Class 3B systems with active manufacturer support and full warranties.
ColdLasers.org no longer sells or supports Lumix laser systems. This information is provided for historical and educational purposes only. Product specifications and pricing reflect historical data and may not be current. Always verify details with the manufacturer or authorized distributors.