Science Fiction
Dictionary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
 |
Super-Photons Used For Good, Not Evil
Super-photons may be able to provide a way to encode yet more information on CDs; more powerful computers and higher data security may also be possible. This is not your father's Thessian super-proton technology.
University of Toronto quantum optics researcher Morgan Mitchel has been entangling photons (light conceived of as small packets of energy). At the quantum level, a phenomenon called "entanglement" is observed, in which two or more particles become linked in such a way that any action that affects one affects all the others - no matter what the distance between them. This phenomenon can cause a set of multiple photons to behave as if they were one. Three photons could behave as a single photon, but with three times the energy.
"It looks like a super-photon," said Mitchell. "For this experiment, the hardest part was making them indistinguishable, which means not just putting them in the same location, but making sure they're there at the same time, that they are the same color, and going in the same direction. You have to guarantee all of these (aspects) at once."
(From Compact Disks and Digital Versatile Disks)
So how can a super-photon result in greater density of data storage? CDs store data in patterns of tiny pits about a half-micron wide. The problem with CDs is that the smallest size pit that can be used is dependent on the wavelength of light that is used to see it (the diffraction limit). By entangling photons, a super-photon with three times the energy can beat the diffraction limit, giving resolution that is three times better. Better resolution means that the pits can be smaller and closer together, resulting in more storage.
The science fiction reference to the Thessians comes from John W. Campbell's 1932 novel Invaders From The Infinite, in which the evil Thessians make use of a mysterious ray that effortlessly slices through the all but invulnerable cosmium shielding of ships. The scientist-heroes of the book offer the following analysis:
"It's a super-photon. What they do is use a field somewhat similar to the field we use in making cosmium, except that in theirs, instead of the photons lying side by side, they slide into one another, compounding. They evidently get three photons to go into one." (More)
See Super-Photons Could Make For Better Disc Media Players. (Thanks to Winchell Chung for the idea for this story.)
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 5/19/2004)
Follow this kind of news @Technovelgy.| Email | RSS | Blog It | Stumble | del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit |
Would
you like to contribute a story tip?
It's easy:
Get the URL of the story, and the related sf author, and add
it here.
Comment/Join discussion ( 0 )
Related News Stories - (" Engineering ")
Tornyol Microdrone Kills Mosquitoes
'The real border was defended by... a swarm of quasi-independent aerostats.'
PLATO Spacecraft, Hunter Of Habitable Planets, Now Ready
'I ... set my automatic astronomical instruments to searching for a habitable planet.' Edmond Hamilton (1936).
Did The Yautja Have These First?
What a marvel of ingenuity the little device was! - Harry Bates, 1934.
Jetson ONE Air Races Begin, Can Air Polo Be Far Behind?
'If you're one of those rarities who haven't attended a rocket-polo "carnage", let me tell you it's a colorful affair.' - John Victor Peterson, 1938.
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
Science Fiction
Timeline
1600-1899
1900-1939
1940's 1950's
1960's 1970's
1980's 1990's
2000's 2010's
Current News
Proof Of Robothood - Not A Person
'Who are you people? - Show 'em.'
Dancing Robots Taught Dance Moves
'A clockwork figure would be the thing for you...'
Indonesian Clans Battle
'The observation vehicle was of that peculiar variety used in conveying a large number of people across rough terrain.'
The 'Last Mile' In China Crowded With Delivery Robots
Yes, it's a delivery robot. On wheels.
Tornyol Microdrone Kills Mosquitoes
'The real border was defended by... a swarm of quasi-independent aerostats.'
PLATO Spacecraft, Hunter Of Habitable Planets, Now Ready
'I ... set my automatic astronomical instruments to searching for a habitable planet.'
Factory Humanoid Robots Built By Humanoid Robots
'...haven't you a section of the factory where only robot labor is employed?'
iPhone Air Fulfils Jobs' Promise From 2007 - A Giant Screen!
'... oblongs were all over the floor and surfaces.'
ChatGPT Now Participates in Group Chats
'...the city was their laboratory in human psychology.'
iPhone Pocket All Sold Out!
'A long, strong, slender net...'
Did The Yautja Have These First?
What a marvel of ingenuity the little device was!
Jetson ONE Air Races Begin, Can Air Polo Be Far Behind?
'If you're one of those rarities who haven't attended a rocket-polo "carnage", let me tell you it's a colorful affair.'
Will Space Stations Have Large Interior Spaces Again?
'They filed clumsily into the battleroom, like children in a swimming pool for the first time, clinging to the handholds along the side.'
Mornine Sales Robot
'Robot-salesmen were everywhere, gesturing...'
Bipedal Robot Floats Gently While Walking
'a walking balloon proceeded with long strides of its aluminum legs...'
Musk Idea Of Cars Talking To Each Other Predicted 70 Years Ago
'My cars talk to one another.'
