Rutherford's contributions were not directly related to the nature of light itself. He was primarily known for his groundbreaking work in nuclear physics, particularly his famous gold foil experiment which led to the discovery of the atomic nucleus.

However, his work had indirect implications for understanding light:

* Atomic Structure: Rutherford's model of the atom, with a dense, positively charged nucleus surrounded by negatively charged electrons, laid the foundation for understanding how atoms interact with light. This understanding formed the basis for later advancements in quantum mechanics and spectroscopy, which are crucial for studying the interaction between light and matter.

* Nuclear Reactions: Rutherford's research into nuclear reactions paved the way for understanding the energy production in stars, which is powered by nuclear fusion. This process involves the release of photons (light particles), contributing to the light emission of stars.

It's important to remember that Rutherford's work was mainly focused on the structure and behavior of atoms and the nucleus, not directly on the nature of light itself. His contributions, however, had a significant influence on the development of our understanding of how light interacts with matter and how it is produced in the universe.