Filament Analysis

Using the scanning electron microscope, scientists can determine if an automobile's lights were either on or off at the time of an accident by examining the condition of the filament.
84060332filament1.jpg
84062556filament2.jpg
The "bead" in the end of a broken filament at left indicates the filament was hot at the time of the break, supporting the driver's claim that his automobile's lights were on when the accident occurred.