Grape balls of fire!: Photonic interactions of hyperfrequency radiation with aqueous dielectric spheres

The initiation of plasma using grapes in a commercial microwave oven is a well-known parlour trick. All prior demonstrated approaches use cut grape hemispheres connected with a “skin bridge” the common explanation for the mechanism of ignition involves conduction in the bridge or in the grapes themselves. We have studied this phenomenon in detail and present new experimental observations, scientific explanation, and potential applications of the phenomena.