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How to Use a Laser on a Light Bulb

The beam of light from a laser is able to focus more precisely and effectively that other forms of illumination, such as a flashlight. For example, you can use the distinct properties of a laser beam to see whether the filaments of a light bulb are broken or not. A pair of laser safety goggles is all the equipment that you will need.

Things You'll Need

Paper cup
Laser protective goggles

Instructions

- 1
  Unscrew the light bulb from the socket it is in. Stand a paper cup on a table. Place the bulb in the paper cup, base side down.
- 2
  Hold the laser pointer pen so that the front end is pointing at a side of the bulb from about 4 inches away. Put on the laser protective goggles. Press the power button on the laser pointer pen to activate the laser beam. Hold in on the button to keep the beam active.
- 3
  Look at the side of the bulb opposite that of where the laser beam is aimed. Inspect the shadow of the filament that is inside the bulb and is now being illuminated by the laser. Look for any breaks in the lines of the shadow. A break indicates that the filament is broken.
- 4
  Release the button on the laser pointer pen when you have determined whether the filament inside the bulb is broken. If the filament is broken, dispose of the bulb in an environmentally friendly manner. If the filament is intact, screw the bulb back into the socket it was taken out of.

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