Is Plasma Possible Inside a Light Bulb?

[iScience]

http://i.imgur.com/bLUjP0Q.jpg

is something like this even possible in a light bulb? i thought the interior was supposed to be a vacuum.

 

[D H]

i thought the interior was supposed to be a vacuum.

The thin glass used in a typical incandescent light bulb is not near strong enough to sustain a vacuum. Incandescent bulbs are filled with inert gases to about 70% atmospheric pressure.

 

[meBigGuy]

wow --- cool --- Never saw or thought of that, but now it's obvious.
http://www.rmcybernetics.com/projects/DIY_Devices/homemade_plasma_globe.htm

 

[vk6kro]

The lights at the back of a car include a combined rear light / brake light bulb.

Usually this is replaced when one of the lamp filaments burns out.

This gives you a chance to experiment since you now have a working filament and a disconnected wire which will work as an anode if the filament is supplied with its normal voltage. It will work as a diode if the bulb is under vacuum or as a plasma display if it contains gas.

Local repair shops usually discard such bulbs but would probably save you a few if you ask.