Microlight ML830
The legendary laser that pioneered FDA clearance for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Patented 830nm wavelength backed by landmark clinical studies at GM and Baylor College of Medicine.
Quick Specs
- Class
- 3B
- Wavelength
- 830nm (GaAlAs)
- Power
- 90mW per emitter
- Penetration
- Up to 5cm
- Made In
- USA
- Warranty
- 1 Year
- Price Range
- $4,995–$8,995
The ML830 from Microlight™ was the first Class 3B laser to receive FDA clearance for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment. Its 830nm wavelength has been validated through double-blind studies at General Motors and Baylor College of Medicine.
Choose Your ML830 Configuration
Select the configuration that fits your practice needs. 1-Paddle for targeted treatment, 2-Paddle for bilateral treatment, or 3-Paddle for multi-site protocols.
ML830 Paddle Systems 1, 2, or 3 Emitter Configurations
Each paddle contains a 90mW 830nm laser emitter. Multi-paddle systems allow simultaneous treatment of multiple sites—treat front and back of a knee at once to reduce treatment time by 50%.
ML830 1-Paddle
$4,99590mW @830nm • Single Emitter • Class 3B
Single-emitter system for targeted treatment of individual sites. Uses the same 830nm wavelength and power parameters from the published clinical studies.
- 90mW laser emitter
- Patented 830nm wavelength
- 5cm tissue penetration
- Safety glasses included
ML830 2-Paddle
$6,995180mW Total @830nm • Dual Emitters • Class 3B
Dual-emitter system for bilateral treatment. Suitable for joints. Treat anterior and posterior surfaces simultaneously to reduce treatment time.
- 2 × 90mW laser emitters
- Simultaneous dual-site treatment
- 50% faster treatment times
- Suitable for joint protocols
ML830 3-Paddle
$8,995270mW Total @830nm • Triple Emitters • Class 3B
Three-emitter configuration for high-volume practices. Three simultaneous treatment sites increase throughput for busy clinics.
- 3 × 90mW laser emitters
- Triple-site simultaneous treatment
- Higher clinical throughput
- Suited for high-volume practices
Optional Probe Accessory For Precision Treatment
Add focused treatment capability for acupuncture points, trigger points, and smaller anatomical areas.
ML830 Precision Probe
$1,995830nm • Focused Beam • Precision Applicator
Precision handheld probe for targeted treatment of acupuncture points, trigger points, and smaller anatomical areas. Complements the paddle system for expanded treatment protocols.
- Acupuncture point stimulation
- Trigger point therapy
- Small area treatment
- Works with any ML830 system
Compare ML830 Configurations
| Specification | 1-Paddle | 2-Paddle | 3-Paddle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wavelength | 830nm | 830nm | 830nm |
| Total Power | 90mW | 180mW | 270mW |
| Emitters | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Simultaneous Sites | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Penetration Depth | Up to 5cm | Up to 5cm | Up to 5cm |
| Bilateral Treatment | Sequential | Simultaneous | Simultaneous |
| Treatment Efficiency | Standard | 50% Faster | 67% Faster |
| Best For | Single Sites | Joint Protocols | High Volume |
| FDA Cleared | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Price | $4,995 | $6,995 | $8,995 |
ML830 Features
Patented 830nm Wavelength
Microlight holds the patent on 830nm for therapeutic lasers. Successful studies using 830nm were conducted with the ML830.
FDA Cleared
First Class 3B laser to receive FDA clearance for non-surgical treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Clinical Studies
Double-blind studies at General Motors (166 workers) and Baylor College of Medicine documented treatment outcomes.
Deep Penetration
Up to 5cm tissue penetration—approximately double that of HeNe (632nm) lasers. Reaches deep joints and structures.
Multi-Site Treatment
2 and 3-paddle systems treat multiple sites simultaneously. Reduce treatment time by 50-67% with bilateral protocols.
Made in the USA
Manufactured by Microlight in the United States with a 1-year warranty. In production since the 1990s.
Questions About the ML830?
Free consultation available. We can help you choose the right configuration for your practice.
About the ML830
The ML830™ from Microlight™ played an important role in establishing photobiomodulation as a recognized medical treatment in the United States. It was the first Class 3B laser to receive FDA clearance for treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Microlight holds the patent on the 830nm wavelength for therapeutic use. Clinical studies that demonstrated positive outcomes using 830nm therapy used the ML830. Practitioners who want to replicate published research protocols can use the same device, wavelength, and parameters from the original studies.
FDA Clearance: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The ML830 was the first Class 3B laser to receive FDA clearance for the non-surgical treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Additional FDA clearance for temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain and stiffness, and arthritis.
Clinical Research
The ML830's evidence base comes from double-blind clinical research. Two studies established outcomes data for the device:
36-Week Carpal Tunnel Study
General Motors conducted a 36-week double-blind study using the ML830 on 166 workers with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
1998 Carpal Tunnel Study
A Houston medical school conducted a double-blind study on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in 1998.
These studies used the 830nm wavelength and dosage parameters available in the ML830 today. Practitioners can replicate these protocols with the current device.
The 830nm Wavelength
The 830nm wavelength is within the therapeutic light window—the range where photons penetrate tissue effectively and interact with cellular chromophores. It is absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, which increases ATP production and cellular metabolism.
Approximately double the penetration depth of HeNe (632nm) lasers. Reaches deeper joints and muscle tissue.
Triggers the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cellular energy currency involved in healing processes.
Microlight's patent covers the 830nm wavelength used in published research.
Penetration Depth Comparison
The ML830's 830nm wavelength achieves approximately 2× the penetration depth of HeNe lasers, allowing treatment of deeper structures including joints, tendons, and nerve pathways.
FDA-Cleared Indications
The ML830 and related Microlight LLLT devices are FDA cleared for:
Clinical Applications
Primary Applications
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Arthritis (osteo & rheumatoid)
- Tendinitis / Tendinopathy
- Back and neck pain
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Muscle strains and spasms
- Sports injuries
Probe Applications
- Acupuncture point stimulation
- Trigger point therapy
- Small joint treatment (fingers, toes)
- TMJ disorders
- Localized pain points
- Wound recovery support
- Nerve pathway stimulation
What's Included
Technology Updates
Early ML830 systems operated in continuous wave (CW) mode only. Current Microlight products include pulsing capability, making them comparable to other Class 3B systems on the market.
The ML830 offers both direct treatment of larger areas via paddles and precision treatment via optional probes for trigger points, acupuncture, and smaller anatomical areas, providing flexibility for different clinical applications.
ML830 vs. Similar Systems
| Feature | ML830 (2-Paddle) | MedX Portable | Generic 830nm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wavelength | 830nm (Patented) | 810nm | 830nm |
| Power | 180mW (2×90) | 450mW | Varies |
| Patented Technology | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Clinical Studies | GM + Baylor | Limited | None |
| FDA CTS Clearance | ✓ First | ✗ No | Varies |
| Multi-Site Treatment | ✓ Simultaneous | ✗ No | Varies |
| Made In | USA | Canada | Varies |
| Price | $6,995 | $2,495 | $3,000+ |
For practitioners who want research-validated protocols and patented wavelength technology, the ML830 offers these differentiators.
Technical Specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Microlight's patent on 830nm for therapeutic use means that clinical research using 830nm, including the GM and Baylor studies, was conducted using the ML830. Practitioners who want to replicate published research protocols can use the same device. Other "830nm" lasers were not used in these foundational studies.
1-Paddle ($4,995): Suitable for practitioners who primarily treat single sites or want an entry point into the ML830 platform.
2-Paddle ($6,995): The most common choice. Useful for joint protocols where you can treat anterior and posterior surfaces simultaneously—for example, both sides of a knee. Reduces treatment time by 50%.
3-Paddle ($8,995): Suitable for high-volume practices. Higher throughput for treating multiple patients or complex multi-site protocols.
Paddles are designed for larger treatment areas—joints, muscles, broad anatomical regions. They provide coverage for conditions like knee arthritis, back pain, or shoulder issues.
The probe ($1,995 add-on) is for precision work—acupuncture point stimulation, trigger point therapy, small joints (fingers, toes), TMJ, and other situations requiring focused delivery. Many practitioners use both for different treatment protocols.
The ML830's 830nm wavelength achieves penetration up to 5cm, approximately double that of HeNe (632nm) lasers, which typically penetrate about 2cm. This allows treatment of deeper joint structures, tendons, and nerve pathways.
Per FDA clearance, the ML830 is cleared for non-surgical treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, plus temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain, stiffness, and arthritis.
Commonly treated conditions include: carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, tendinitis, back and neck pain, joint pain, muscle strains, sports injuries, and trigger points (with optional probe).
Yes. Early ML830 systems were continuous wave (CW) only, but current Microlight products include pulsing capability. Modern ML830 systems offer both CW and pulsed modes.
Every ML830 system includes: the laser unit with your chosen number of paddle emitters (1, 2, or 3), protective safety glasses, laser warning sign for your treatment area, complete user manual, and a 1-year manufacturer warranty. The optional precision probe ($1,995) is purchased separately.
Ready to Learn More About the ML830?
Patented 830nm wavelength. Research-backed protocols. FDA cleared for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.