Ray-of-light synonyms

The next morning she woke to the first ray of light through the window.

The walls were of stained pine, shellacked to a glow that reflected every ray of light that entered the large windows.

A ray of light is directed upon the mirror, and the motion of the latter, due to the varying strengths and direction of the received currents, is made to write the transmitted signals upon a strip of bromide photographic paper about three inches wide.

A ray of light from a lamp is thrown on the mirror, whence it is reflected upon a white surface or scale set at a distance of about 3 ft., forming a bright spot on the surface; the slightest angular deflexion of the mirror, owing to its distance from the scale, moves the spot of light a very appreciable distance to the right or left according to the direction of the angular movement.

or something even more, throwing a ray of light perhaps on the state and powers of the happy dead?