Microwaving grapes makes plasma

[thewas]

A bisected grape in the microwave makes plasma. But how does it work? A grape is the right size and refractive index to trap microwaves inside it. When you place two (or two halves) close together the fields interact with each other creating a maximum of electromagnetic energy where they touch. This creates heating, sparks, and plasma, which is further fed with energy directly by the microwaves.

Huge thanks to Hamza Khattak, Prof. Pablo Bianucci and Prof. Aaron Slepkov (unavailable for the call) for chatting to me and helping me understand the physics of this cool phenomenon.

Linking plasma formation in grapes to microwave resonances of aqueous dimers https://www.pnas.org/content/116/10/4000

Source: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHnyfMqiRRG1u-2MsSQLbXA

 

[Doodski]

A bisected grape in the microwave makes plasma. But how does it work? A grape is the right size and refractive index to trap microwaves inside it. When you place two (or two halves) close together the fields interact with each other creating a maximum of electromagnetic energy where they touch. This creates heating, sparks, and plasma, which is further fed with energy directly by the microwaves.

Huge thanks to Hamza Khattak, Prof. Pablo Bianucci and Prof. Aaron Slepkov (unavailable for the call) for chatting to me and helping me understand the physics of this cool phenomenon.

Linking plasma formation in grapes to microwave resonances of aqueous dimers https://www.pnas.org/content/116/10/4000

Source: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHnyfMqiRRG1u-2MsSQLbXA

If one sticks a sewing needle into the grape, the mounts a short lit cigarette on the top of the needle and mounts the grape so the smoke is on top and rising then it gets even better. The plasma and arcing go up the smoke and cause flashes. Be careful you don't damage the inside finish of the microwave oven...lol

 

[Rip City Dave]

OK, one of you geniuses out there needs to make a microwave oven plasma driver and test it with a Klippel.

 

[Sgt. Ear Ache]

Big fan of that youtube channel. Some very interesting vids.

 

[Jimbob54]

Makes a mess too.