K
kidkboom
Guest
I have a burning question for the fine minds gathered here.
Been watching the news releases from the world of science and recently, a couple of different things have come across referring to light and the unforeseen functions of some metamaterials... Just today, an article was discussing metamaterials being used to "trap" EM light in a Chinese study ( http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 093534.htm ) and a similar article about cloaking properties of metamaterials ( http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 210937.htm )...
This got me thinking about other limits of conventional materials as opposed to meta and as an S(SF) obsessor I had to ask: Is there a possibility that the properties of metamaterials might change the situation as regards to long-distance spaceflight?
Trouble is I run into a comprehension wall right there.. I've read that the ultimate limit to fast space travel is a phenomenon known as Hawking radiation that breaks down anything on its way to or through light speed... but if metamaterials and isotropic materials have shown some ability in confounding the 'laws' of light itself, maybe there exists the possibility that these things could be turned toward the task of FAL/FTL travel?
I know the folks here have mountains more knowledge and education than do I as a mere enthusiast... but I'm very curious to know what speculations you all might offer..
Thanks for your attention - luck/life/kidk
Been watching the news releases from the world of science and recently, a couple of different things have come across referring to light and the unforeseen functions of some metamaterials... Just today, an article was discussing metamaterials being used to "trap" EM light in a Chinese study ( http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 093534.htm ) and a similar article about cloaking properties of metamaterials ( http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 210937.htm )...
This got me thinking about other limits of conventional materials as opposed to meta and as an S(SF) obsessor I had to ask: Is there a possibility that the properties of metamaterials might change the situation as regards to long-distance spaceflight?
Trouble is I run into a comprehension wall right there.. I've read that the ultimate limit to fast space travel is a phenomenon known as Hawking radiation that breaks down anything on its way to or through light speed... but if metamaterials and isotropic materials have shown some ability in confounding the 'laws' of light itself, maybe there exists the possibility that these things could be turned toward the task of FAL/FTL travel?
I know the folks here have mountains more knowledge and education than do I as a mere enthusiast... but I'm very curious to know what speculations you all might offer..
Thanks for your attention - luck/life/kidk