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.
ColdLasers.org No Longer Sells the ML830
This page is kept online as a reference for practitioners who already own an ML830 and for past customers looking up specifications, protocols, and original pricing. The systems below are not available for purchase — pricing shown is historical.
Quick Specs
- Class
- 3B
- Wavelength
- 830nm (GaAlAs)
- Power
- 90mW per emitter
- Penetration
- Up to 5cm
- Made In
- USA
- Warranty
- 1 Year
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Original Price
- $4,995–$8,995
Historical pricing, shown for reference. Not a current offer.
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.
ML830 Configurations
The ML830 shipped in three configurations: 1-Paddle for targeted treatment, 2-Paddle for bilateral treatment, and 3-Paddle for multi-site protocols. Use this section to identify which system you own.
ML830 Paddle Systems Discontinued — Reference Only
Each paddle contains a 90mW 830nm laser emitter. Multi-paddle systems allowed simultaneous treatment of multiple sites—treating front and back of a knee at once to cut treatment time by 50%. These systems are no longer sold by ColdLasers.org.
ML830 1-Paddle
was $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
was $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
was $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 Discontinued — Reference Only
The precision probe added focused treatment capability for acupuncture points, trigger points, and smaller anatomical areas. It is no longer available from ColdLasers.org.
ML830 Precision Probe
was $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
- Worked with any ML830 system
Compare ML830 Configurations
Specifications for the discontinued ML830 line. Pricing is historical and not a current offer.
| 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 |
| Original Price | $4,995 | $6,995 | $8,995 |
| Availability | Discontinued | Discontinued | Discontinued |
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 |
| Original Price | $6,995 | $2,495 | $3,000+ |
| Availability | Discontinued | Current | Varies |
These were the ML830's differentiators for practitioners who wanted research-validated protocols and patented wavelength technology. Since the ML830 is no longer sold, see the current system comparison for equivalents we carry today.
Technical Specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Microlight ML830 has been discontinued and ColdLasers.org no longer sells it, new or used. These pages remain online as a reference for practitioners who already own an ML830 and for past customers who need specifications, protocols, or original pricing.
If you are shopping for a current system, see our laser comparison or call (800) 388-0850 and we'll point you to the closest equivalent we carry.
Yes. Past customers can call (800) 388-0850 for protocol questions, dosing guidance, and help identifying which configuration you own. Warranty service, parts, and repairs must go through Microlight Corporation directly — ColdLasers.org does not service these units.
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 (originally $4,995): Single emitter, suited to practitioners who primarily treated single sites. The entry point into the ML830 platform.
2-Paddle (originally $6,995): The most common configuration. Used for joint protocols where anterior and posterior surfaces were treated simultaneously—for example, both sides of a knee—cutting treatment time by 50%.
3-Paddle (originally $8,995): Built for high-volume practices. Higher throughput for multiple patients or complex multi-site protocols.
All three are discontinued. Prices above are historical and shown to help owners identify their system.
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 (originally a $1,995 add-on) was 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 shipped with: the laser unit and its paddle emitters (1, 2, or 3), protective safety glasses, a laser warning sign for the treatment area, the complete user manual, and a 1-year manufacturer warranty. The optional precision probe was sold separately. Original warranties on these systems have long since expired.
Own an ML830? We're Still Here.
The ML830 is discontinued and not available for purchase. If you already own one, we can help with protocols and dosing. If you're shopping, we'll point you to a current system with comparable output.
ColdLasers.org no longer sells or services the Microlight ML830. This page is provided for historical reference and for existing owners. Specifications and pricing reflect the system as it was originally sold and may not match your unit. Microlight™ and ML830™ are trademarks of Microlight Corporation; we are not affiliated with Microlight. Contact the manufacturer directly for warranty service, parts, and repairs.