AOL Version 3.0 with Scored Front Surface
The front surface of this CD-ROM was scored with several roughly parrallel straight lines using an X-Acto knife. A high density of multiply forking lightning bolt figures was present. Each of these bolts was "rooted" in one of the scored lines, or in the edge of the foil (on the perimeter, or at the hub).
AOL Version 3.0 Partially Submerged in Water
This CD-ROM was partially submerged in a bowl of water while it was microwaved. The portion that was not cooled and protected by the water showed typical patterns. The part of the CD-ROM that was under the water's surface did not exhibit any typical patterning. Note that this CD-ROM required double exposure (10 seconds) to show any reaction at all. This is perhaps because part of the conductive portion of the foil was unaffected by the microwaves. Thus, less of the surface was excited to discharge. A disc completely submerged in water showed no reaction, even after a full minute of exposure. (Detail view is 3x magnification.)
Aluminum Foil Test Disc
A piece of Diamond Brand aluminum foil (thickness unknown) was cut into the shape of a CD and subjected to microwaving. Even after several minutes, no sparks or patterning resulted. The test was stopped after the paper plate underneath the foil started to smoke. The results were not unexpected, and no useful conclusions were drawn.
Section of CD-ROM Support Surface
Several Kroger "Nice'n Strong" paper plates were used to support the CD-ROMs while they were being microwaved. During the process, the plates were scorched, and some of the paint from the CD-ROMs (which were all microwaved face down) was transferred to the cardboard. The section of paper plate shown was used for eight tests.
Paper Ink Transfer
An AOL Version 3.0 CD-ROM was rested on a piece of HP 20 pound multipurpose white paper. The disc was then microwaved for 12 seconds. As a result, some of the paint was heated and transferred to the adjacent paper. Several hot spots formed on the CD-ROM during this long microwaving cycle. This resulted in several burn marks, with corresponding charred portions of the paper. The paper was trimmed to a CD shape after the experiment.
AOL Version 5.0 Titanium, Shot and Microwaved
This AOL CD-ROM was shot 30 times with a Browning Buck Mark Micro .22LR semi-automatic target pistol, from a range of approximately 10 yards. It was then microwaved for five seconds. It is safe to say that it is well and truly dead. It exhibited both concentric arc and lightning bolt patterns. Some of the latter were rooted in the bullet holes. (Detail view is 3x magnification.)
On a personal note, this was quite possibly one of the most satisfying things this experimenter has ever done.