Putting two grapes, or a single grape almost cut in half, in the microwave creates a spectacular show. The electromagnetic field in the middle produces an explosion of flaming plasma. Veritasium has a good explanatory video on what causes grapes or hydrogel balls to behave this way when exposed to microwave radiation.
In the Veritasium video, a scientist speculates on possible practical applications of this effect in nanotechnology. Now a study has found that while previous research focused on electric fields, the magnetic field created by grapes could be used for quantum sensing. Microwave resonators are used in many quantum systems, including superconducting qubits used for quantum computing.
Lead author Professor Thomas Volz, who leads the Quantum Materials and Applications Group at Macquarie’s School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, says the findings open up exciting possibilities for the miniaturization of quantum technology.
“This research opens another avenue for exploring alternative microwave resonator designs for quantum technologies, potentially leading to more compact and efficient quantum sensing devices,” he says.
Phys.org
Don’t try this at home. Sparks and fire are not good for your microwave.
Previously: Scientists Finally Explain Why Microwaved Grapes Emit Beautiful Plasma Bursts
